Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Key West Lighthouse
A replacement Key West Lighthouse was built further inland, in its present day location, in 1848. At the base, its brick walls were constructed 4.5 feet thick, tapering to 2.5 feet at the top some 46 feet above. Light was provided by thirteen Lewis-Argand whale-oil lamps with silvered, parabolic reflectors. Upon completion, the tower had an overall height of approximately 60 feet.
Ten years into operation, a state-of-the-art, French-made, third-order Fresnel lens was acquired for the Key West Lighthouse to replace the whale-oil lamps and, in 1895, a 20-foot extension was added to the tower making it easier for mariners to see from their ships in the Florida Strait.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 24° 33.035′ N, 81° 48.05′ W. Marker is in Key West , Florida, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Whitehead Street and Truman Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lighthouse Tower (here, next to this marker); Lighthouse Keepers (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Key West Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Lighthouse Keeper’s Duties (a few steps from this marker); Barbara Mabrity (a few steps from this marker); Women Lighthouse Keepers (a few steps from this marker); Second Key West Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Keeper's Quarters Indoor Bathroom (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.