The Key West Lighthouse is the tallest in Florida, standing at 86 feet tall. It was built in 1847 and has been guiding ships safely into Key West Harbor ever since. A popular tourist destination, offering stunning aerial views of Key West and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a bird’s eye view of the city and the ocean. The lighthouse museum offers a dive into the history and its role in guiding ships safely into port.

History of the Key West Lighthouse

The first lighthouse in Key West was built in 1825. However, it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1846. Making way for the current lighthouse to be built in 1847. Made of brick and limestone it stands at 86 feet tall. The tour guides at the Hemingway House Museum across the street share that Hemingway was remembered to say if he got too drunk down at Sloppy Joe’s he would simply look for the lighthouse to guide him home. 

Automated in 1969, and the last lighthouse keeper left the island in 1976. However, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of Key West and the surrounding ocean.

Keepers of the Key West Lighthouse

The lighthouse keepers of the Key West Lighthouse have played an important role in the history of Key West saving countless lives and helping to guide ships safely into Key West Harbor. 

Captain John H. Geiger

John H. Geiger, a captain, was the first lighthouse keeper of the Key West Lighthouse from 1847 to 1854. In 1851, he and his assistant, John H. Smith, rescued the crew of the Telegraph, which had run aground on the reef off Key West and was carrying a cargo of gold and silver, as well as mail from New York City to Key West. Geiger played an important role in the development of Key West later in life, serving on the city council, the Masonic Lodge, and helping to establish the Key West Chamber of Commerce.

Josephine Plummer

Josephine Plummer made history as Florida’s first female lighthouse keeper, tending to the Key West Lighthouse from 1893 to 1911. Plummer, characterized by her strength and determination, excelled as a skilled lighthouse keeper.

In 1898, a devastating hurricane battered Key West, inflicting severe damage upon the lighthouse. This destructive storm not only demolished the lighthouse’s roof and windows but also inflicted damage to its critical lens. Plummer’s unwavering commitment to her duty became evident when she steadfastly refused to evacuate, remaining to safeguard the lens and other essential equipment.

Plummer’s tireless efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane were nothing short of heroic. She diligently patched the roof and windows and meticulously cleaned the damaged lens. Thanks to her immense bravery and unwavering dedication, the lighthouse was swiftly restored to operation shortly after the hurricane’s passage.

Josephine Plummer stands as a pioneering figure in the realm of lighthouse keeping, breaking gender barriers to prove that women were equally capable of excelling in this profession. Her fearless commitment to safeguarding the lighthouse and guiding ships at sea solidifies her status as a true hero of the sea.

George E. Curry

George E. Curry served as the lighthouse keeper of the Key West Lighthouse from 1911 to 1930. His legacy is defined by his remarkable bravery in rescuing shipwrecked sailors.

In 1915, the William P. Frye, laden with coal and carrying a crew of 17 men, ran aground on the reef off Key West during a fierce storm. George E. Curry, accompanied by his assistant, John H. Smith, fearlessly navigated the treacherous conditions to save the imperiled crew.

Utilizing a small boat, Curry and Smith made multiple perilous trips to the stranded vessel, rescuing each sailor individually. Their unwavering determination and courage led to the successful rescue of all 17 crew members.

George E. Curry’s heroic actions earned him the prestigious Carnegie Hero Medal, acknowledging his extraordinary bravery in saving the crew of the William P. Frye. Additionally, he was honored with the Gold Lifesaving Medal by the United States Coast Guard.

Captain William J. Liebenow

Captain William J. Liebenow served as the devoted lighthouse keeper of the Key West Lighthouse from 1930 to 1969. His distinguished service is marked by both his expertise in lighthouse keeping and his unwavering commitment to aiding those in need.

Liebenow’s skills as a lighthouse keeper were exceptional, and his compassionate nature made him ever-ready to assist others. During his tenure as the lighthouse keeper, he heroically rescued numerous shipwrecked sailors, exemplifying his dedication to their safety. Additionally, Liebenow played a pivotal role in guiding countless ships safely into Key West Harbor, a testament to his crucial contribution to maritime safety.

One remarkable incident in 1941 underscores Liebenow’s valor. When a German U-boat sank the American merchant ship S.S. Hatteras off the coast of Key West, Liebenow, along with his assistant, John H. Smith, utilized the lighthouse’s searchlight to guide the survivors of the S.S. Hatteras to safety.

The Key West Lighthouse remains an essential part of the lighthouse history and the Florida Keys. Its construction and maintenance over the years have played a vital role in ensuring the safety of ships and sailors. The women who served as lighthouse keepers have also left a lasting mark on the history of the lighthouse and the region. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse is an excellent way to learn about the history of the Florida Keys and appreciate the dedication of those who served at the lighthouse.

Visiting the Key West Lighthouse

Today, the Key West Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of Key West and the surrounding ocean. The lighthouse is also home to a museum that tells the story of the Key West Lighthouse and its keepers.

How to Get to the Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse is located at 938 Whitehead Street in Key West, Florida. Visitors can drive to the lighthouse, or they can take the Duval Loop Bus.

More Family-Friendly Activities in Key West 

• Dry Tortugas National Park 
• MOTE Marine Labs 
• Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm
• Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens 
• Key West Eco-Discovery Center