Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Key West Lighthouse

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 19, 2024

1. Key West Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. Construction of the first Key West Lighthouse began in 1825 on Whitehead's Point, near today's Southernmost Point. When the tower was finished in early 1826, the whitewashed brick structure stood 47 feet tall from its foundation to the base of its black, iron lantern. For twenty years, the original tower was the tallest structure on the island. A violent hurricane destroyed the original lighthouse and keeper's dwelling in 1846.

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 and series. This

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historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

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

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 19, 2024

2. Key West Lighthouse Marker

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 293 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.