The Key West Lighthouse

March 15, 2025 6:45pm

Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States. Its magnificence is both natural and manmade. From the turquoise waters and brilliant sunsets to the historic architecture and eclectic arts scene, Key West is filled with beauty in every direction. But it is also a very flat island. So the closest you'll get to an aerial view without flying or parasailing is the view from atop the Key West Lighthouse.

After ascending 88 steps of the interior spiral staircase and stepping out to the viewing platform, you'll be greeted with spectacular views across the rooftops to the water from every point of the compass. Having been extended in height twice over the years, the lighthouse now stands an impressive 86 feet tall. The current lighthouse is the second one on the island to alert mariners.

The first Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825. Michael Mabrity was its first Principal Lighthouse Keeper, and his wife Barbara was hired as Assistant Keeper. But when Michael died from yellow fever in 1832, Barbara was promoted to Principal Keeper. She held the position for thirty-two years. That structure was located on the sandy shore of Whitehead's Point at the southern tip of the island where the famous "Southernmost Point" buoy is today.

But that original 65-foot tower was toppled in the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846. The storm inundated the island with five feet of water and destroyed all but eight of Key West's 600 houses. As the hurricane swept ashore, several residents sought safety in the lighthouse. But it fell during the night. Fourteen residents were killed, including three of Barbara Mabrity’s six adult children.

So the replacement lighthouse would not be as vulnerable to future hurricanes, workers dug through the sand to reach coral bedrock at a location on higher ground (but still only 14 feet above sea level) a half mile inland. Construction was completed in 1848. It is that lighthouse that stands today. It was decommissioned in 1969, although its light wasn't deactivated until 1989. Today, the lighthouse, keeper's house, and grounds have been fully restored and are open to the public as a museum. It is worth a visit.