Hemingway’s House across the street is more famous. But, you might enjoy your visit to the Key West Lighthouse more! The view from the top is terrific, and the nearby lighthouse keeper’s home is a beautifully restored historic monument. You will also love ShopBeachDecor’s metal wall sculpture of the southern-most lighthouse in the USA! Great design showing several cabbage palms and lighthouse keepers home.
88 Steps To A View
Small but charming, the Key West Lighthouse museum is all stained wood and delightfully creaky. And, on a June afternoon, it’s also splendidly air-conditioned! If you do climb the lighthouse, there are 88 steps up to the viewing area, and 10 more steps to the light. The last 10 are closed to the public.
Southern most lighthouse in the USA sculpture. Click to order!
The lighthouse itself was built in 1847, replacing an original wooden tower on Whitehead Point that had been destroyed the year before by a hurricane. Originally built 66 feet high, it had an additional 20 feet added in 1894. The lighthouse served until being de-commissioned by the Coast Guard in 1969. The tower was restored in 1989 and is again functioning with a 175 watt metal halide light which can be seen several miles out at sea.
Built in 1887, the lighthouse keeper’s quarters houses the official museum collection of artifacts, as well as the “maritime history of the Keys”.
