KEY WEST LIGHTHOUSE
Key West, Florida
We got an early start up around Marathom Key where we had spent the night. The day was absolutely gorgeous. See the Alligator Reef page for an incredible sunrise photo. Drove down to the end of Key West. And to the lighthouse. It is right across the street from a home once owned by Ernest Hemingway. We waited until the place opened and then paid our money to go in and up the 86 foot tall, white brick tower, that was first lit in 1847. It is not the first tower at this location. The first one was constructed in 1825 but fell over in a hurricane.
The light is no longer in Coast Guard service, having been deactivated in 1969. It began with those infamous Argand lamps and big reflectors, followed by a 3rd order lens in 1858. It was reactivated in 1972 with a modern optic and now operates as a private aid to navigation. It is located at the corner of Truman Avenue and Whitehead Street.
Here's how I
saw it:
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JBC Photography