The Key West Lighthouse originally opened in 1848. The U.S. Navy had established a base in Key West in 1823 and recognized the importance of building a lighthouse because of the many coral reefs and shallow waters around the island. Over the years, improvements were made to the lighthouse including the addition of the lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters and eventually the electrification of the light.

Because of new technologies, a keeper was no longer necessary, and thus the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969. Today it serves as a museum dedicated to the lighthouse keepers. Visitors can climb the 88 steps and look at the photographs and belongings of the former keepers.

938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida, Phone: 305-294-0012

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