The Key West Lighthouse Museum in Key West, FL has withstood the test of time and has seen quite a bit of action as well. The original lighthouse was erected in 1825 to not only to help sailing ships identify the dangerous reefs in the darkness but also to discourage pirating. The original was destroyed in 1846 and a new one was built farther inland upon a hill to better protect it. The Key West Lighthouse Museum still rests in the same position today.
This lighthouse was a shining beacon for many years, armed with large reflectors as well as oil lamps to best reflect the light. While it was deactivated permanently in 1969, the lighthouse is still valuable as a standing testament to the long, varied history of Key West. During the tour of the Key West Lighthouse Museum, you will learn about Barbara Mabrity who operated the lighthouse for over thirty years before being fired at age 82 as well as that of her descendants who also were involved in the care of this now historically significant landmark.
Located across the street from the Ernest Hemingway House, you will climb almost 90 steps to get to the top of the tower. The climb is well worth it as you will be rewarded with a sweeping view of the island, seeing the many Victorian homes that grace the streets as well as the beach and ocean.
The Keeper's Quarters, is also a part of the Key West Lighthouse Museum. In it you will find displays of nautical objects, old photos which provide a pictorial history of the place and furnishing befitting the time in the mid to late 19th century. Stepping into the lighthouse is like stepping back to another time and you will wonder about the many ships that survived because of the lighthouse's beacon in the dark night. The tour is well worth the price of admission ... don't forget to bring your cameras!
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