Key West Lighthouse: Stepping into the Past at Florida
After you climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the amazing view, there’s more to explore! The Key West Lighthouse Museum is right next door in the old Keeper’s Cottage. This museum is full of interesting things that tell the story of Key West’s history, especially its connection to the sea.
The Key West Lighthouse History
When you step into the museum, it’s like traveling back in time. The Key West Art and Historical Society runs this place, and they’ve done a great job of collecting all sorts of cool stuff from the past.
You’ll see things that show what life was like in Key West from way back in 1825 (when the lighthouse was first built) all the way up to 1969 (when they stopped using it).
One of the most interesting things you’ll see is information about the very first lighthouse and the little house where the keeper lived. These were super important to Key West’s history, especially for ships coming and going from the island.
As you walk around, you’ll spot all kinds of old objects that sailors and lighthouse keepers used:
- Old tools for figuring out where ships were in the ocean
- Special lenses that made the lighthouse light super bright
- Old photos that show what Key West looked like a long time ago
- Lots of other things that sailors used on their ships
Each of these old objects has its own story to tell. Together, they paint a picture of what life was like in Key West in the old days.
One big event you’ll learn about is the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846. This huge storm destroyed the first lighthouse. After that, people had to think carefully about how to build things in Key West so they wouldn’t blow away in big storms.
The Lighthouse Tour: What to Expect?
First, prepare for the strenuous climb to the top. The 88 iron steps may seem challenging, but the view at the top is worth every step. As you ascend, take note of the interior structure, which is both practical and elegantly designed.
Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the island of Key West, including the reefs and culture of the Florida Keys. From this vantage point, you’ll see the deep blue ocean, the bustling town and the vibrant local life flourishing below you. A third-grade Fresnel lens emphasizes the lighthouse’s historical significance.
You’ll also explore the beautifully restored Keeper’s Cottage Museum, reflecting the 19th century lifestyle. Here you will gain a unique insight into the lives of those dedicated keepers who called the lighthouse their home.
Ghostly Tales and Paranormal Claims
When the sun goes down, some people say the lighthouse gets a bit spooky. Over the years, visitors and people who live in Key West have told stories about seeing ghostly shapes and strange things happening around the lighthouse. But are these stories real, or just made up for fun?
The most famous ghost story is about a woman named Barbara Mabrity. She was in charge of the lighthouse from 1826 to 1864 – that’s 38 years! Some people say they’ve seen a ghost that looks like her walking around the lighthouse. They even say they can smell a faint lavender scent when she’s nearby.
Other people have said they’ve heard whispers or strange noises, or felt sudden cold spots in the air. Some visitors have even claimed to see the ghosts of Barbara Mabrity’s children, who sadly died from a sickness called yellow fever a long time ago.
Key West Lighthouse Ghost Tours
If you’re feeling brave and want to explore the spooky side of the lighthouse, you can go on a ghost tour. These tours usually happen at night when it’s dark, which makes everything feel a bit more mysterious.
A guide who knows a lot about the lighthouse’s history will take you around. As you climb the stairs in the dark and walk through shadowy rooms, the guide will tell you scary stories about things that have supposedly happened there.
These tours are designed to give you goosebumps and make you feel a little scared – but in a fun way! Just remember, even if you hear strange noises or feel a chill, it’s all part of the experience.
FAQs
How To Catch The Sunset From The Key West Lighthouse?
One of the best things you can do at the Key West Lighthouse is watch the sunset. Key West is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and the view from the top of the lighthouse is amazing.
As the day ends, you can see the sky turn beautiful shades of gold, orange, and purple. It’s like nature is putting on a show just for you.
If you want to see the sunset from the lighthouse, you need to plan ahead. The lighthouse closes at 5:00 PM, so you should start climbing those 88 steps a bit earlier to make sure you’re at the top in time for the sunset.
How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Key West Lighthouse?
If you want to visit the Key West Lighthouse, here’s some helpful information:
- Adults: $17.00
- Kids (7-18 years old): $8.00
- Little kids (6 and under): Free!
- People in the military: Free
- Retired military and seniors: $12.00
How to Get to Key West Lighthouse?
The lighthouse is easy to find. It’s at 938 Whitehead Street, right in the middle of Key West. If you’re already in Key West, you can walk there, ride a bike, take a taxi, or hop on one of the city’s fun trolley buses.
If you’re driving, remember that parking in Key West can be tricky, especially when there are lots of tourists. If you’re coming from outside Key West, you can drive along the pretty Overseas Highway or take a boat from nearby islands.
Things to See Near the Key West Lighthouse
After you’ve explored the lighthouse, there’s plenty more to see nearby:
- Hemingway House: Right next door is the house where famous writer Ernest Hemingway lived. You can learn about his life and even see cats that are related to his old pets!
- Mallory Square: This is a fun place to watch the sunset. There are street performers, craft sellers, and a great atmosphere.
- Southernmost Point: This is the southernmost tip of the United States. There’s a big colorful marker there that’s great for photos.
- Duval Street: This street is full of shops, restaurants, and places to listen to music. It’s where you can really feel the lively Key West vibe.
- Butterfly Nature Reserve: This is a beautiful garden full of butterflies from all over the world. You might also see some rare birds and other small animals.
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park: This park has both a historic fort and a beautiful beach. You can have a picnic, go swimming, or learn about the fort’s history.
Conclusion
Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum is like stepping into a time machine. You get to see amazing views, learn about the past, and maybe even experience a little mystery.
It’s a special place that helps us understand the important role lighthouses played in keeping sailors safe and guiding ships through dangerous waters.
