Key West
The string of islands that form the Florida Keys, ends in a two-by-four-mile island known as Key West. The southernmost point of the United States of America is mostly known for its vibrance, lively nightlife and pastel conch-style architecture. Once only reachable by ship, Key West has a fascinating history, one long before Miami even existed. The historical sites in Key West each offer a part of the story, Key West Firehouse Museum, Flagler Station and Truman’s Little White House to name just a few. One of the most significant attributes to the history of Key West is the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Museum, located across the road from Ernest Hemingway’s House. THE NEED FOR A LIGHTHOUSE It was Spanish settlers that first inhabited the Florida Keys and transferred the control of the island, known originally as Cayo Hueso, meaning Bone Island, to the United States in 1821. Entrepreneur John Simonton purchased the island of Key West for $2,000 in the same year. He recognized the importance of a way station along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico trade routes. In 1823, the U.S. Navy established a base in Key West where they would salvage goods from sunken, wrecked and ruined vessels. Due to the large number of wrecks caused by the treacherous reef that runs parallel to the islands, the need for a lighthouse became quite apparent. This would be essential for the safety of commercial and navy vessels alike. The lighthouse was originally to be built on Sambo Key, but was deemed not suitable, and instead Whitehead’s Point, the southernmost tip of Key West, was chosen. THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE The first lighthouse was completed in 1825, at 65 feet tall and held 15 whale oil lamps housed in 15 reflectors. In 1832, when the first keeper, Michael Mabrity, died from yellow fever, his wife Barbara resumed his duties as the head keeper. The lighthouse withstood several severe storms, but the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 brought the destruction of the structure, claiming the lives of the 14 people who had sought refuge in the tower before it collapsed. Tragically, six of Barbara’s children were amongst those that lost their lives. THE SECOND LIGHTHOUSE In 1848, a second lighthouse was built further inland, 15 feet above sea level, which is one of the highest points in Key West. The 50-foot conical tower was shorter than the original, held 13 lamps and 21 reflectors, and 10 years
later it received a third order Fresnel lens, still present at the lighthouse today. Barbara served as keeper for a total of 32 years until she was removed from her post at the age of 82 due to her pro-Confederate views, as Key West was then under Union control and remained so throughout the Civil War. Mabrity was replaced and the lighthouse suffered no interruption during the war between the states. In 1886, the keeper’s dwelling was replaced with the structure that still stands. In 1894, the tower was raised to its present height of 86 feet, as taller buildings and trees began obscuring the light, which then placed the light about 100 feet above sea level. The Coast Guard decommissioned the Key West Light in 1969, when it was turned over to Monroe County, which in turn leased it to the Key West Arts and Historical Society, who opened it to the public in 1989. The lighthouse and its associated building are operated by the society as the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum. VISITING THE LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM When visiting the historical site, the inclination is to head to the lighthouse first and visit the museum afterward. However, visiting the museum first will enhance your overall experience of the lighthouse itself. The museum has original artifacts and furnishings on display and provides concise information to provide just enough insight and background into what is now an obsolete way of life. It also focuses on the women who ran the lighthouse. To reach the top of the fifteenth-oldest serving lighthouse in the U.S.A., 88 iron stairs need to be conquered (there is a small resting spot on the way up to catch a breather). Being the highest point in Key West, the breathtaking aerial views do not disappoint. Most historical sites and interesting landmarks in the area are pointed out from the 86 foot structure. The 360-degree views of the whole key can be enjoyed as you work your way around the observation deck. And if the weather is good and you time it right, experiencing sunset from the lighthouse will give you a new appreciation for the term “magic hour” as the sky flares up with an extravagant array of colors. Liesl Noel is a gifted writer from South Africa. She’s spent years traveling the world with some of the world’s most influential people prior to becoming a proud mother, middle school language arts teacher and talented freelance writer.
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