Name and Location

The Key West Lighthouse is located at 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, USA.

Construction and History

The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 as a navigational aid for mariners entering the Port of Key West. It stood at an impressive 86 feet (26 meters) tall, with a focal plane height of 110 feet (33 meters). The lighthouse was designed by architect Ammi Phillips and constructed using brick and stucco.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is characterized by its simplicity and functionality. The tower features a cylindrical shape with a conical roof, topped with a lantern room and an open observation deck. The structure is surrounded by a small keeper's cottage, which has been converted into a museum.

Light and Navigation

The Key West Lighthouse is no longer operational as a navigational aid, having been automated in 1922. However, it remains an important cultural and historical landmark, attracting visitors from around the world.

Accessibility and Visiting

Today, the lighthouse serves as a museum, offering guided tours to visitors. The museum showcases the history of the lighthouse, its significance in maritime trade, and the lives of the keepers who tended the light over the years.

Notable Views and Landscape

No information available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The Key West Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Florida. It was originally painted with a black-and-white striped pattern to make it more visible from sea. In 1972, the lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Technical and Operational Details

No information available.

Further Information

The museum offers special events and reenactments throughout the year.