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Photo courtesy of the Internet Public Library.
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The first Key West Lighthouse, 65 feet tall, was built in 1825 near the shoreline of the island, but in 1846 a hurricane destroyed it and killed 14 people inside. A new 66-foot lighthouse was constructed farther inland in 1847. In 1894, the new tower was increased to 86 feet. With a base about 15 feet above sea level, the light source is 100 feet high. Removed from active service in 1969, the lighthouse and keeper’s house became a museum and are open to visitors. The Sombrero Key first-order Fresnel lens is on display along with many maritime artifacts.
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