There was a lighthouse prior to the 1847 structure, but it was destroyed in the hurricane of 1846. The story of the keepers of this early lighthouse is fascinating, and a trip to the Lighthouse Museum to learn more about these people in history is well worth the effort.
The first keeper of the lighthouse was Michael Mabrity and his wife, Barbara, was assistant keeper. The first lighthouse beacon was constructed of 15 lamps that were fueled by whale oil, and Michael Mabrity lit the lamps for the very first time in 1826.
When Michael died of yellow fever in 1832, Barbara took over as keeper of the Key West Lighthouse. This amazing woman took care of the lighthouse and her six children alone. On October 10, 1846 however, things would tragically change when the island was hit by a ferocious hurricane. Fourteen people, including Barbara and her children, sought safety in the lighthouse tower but the tower collapsed in the storm. Barbara survived, but most of the 14 were killed including some of her children.
In 1847 a new lighthouse was built a half mile inland from the original lighthouse, and it is this lighthouse that stands today. Barbara Mabrity continued on as keeper of the Key West Lighthouse and took residence in the new keeper’s home when it was built in 1849.
During the Civil War, Key West remained part of the Union although many of the residents were more sympathetic to the Confederacy. Feisty Barbara Mabrity apparently made some comments not to the liking of the Federal Government, and she was fired in 1864 after 38 years of service to the lighthouse.
That was not the end of the Mabrity family connection to the Key West Lighthouse, however, as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren served in various keepers’ roles for another 4 decades. In 1969 the Key West Lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard and turned over to Monroe County. The lighthouse is leased to the Key West Arts and Historical Society, and they have created the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum.
Residents and visitors alike will enjoy a trip to the Key West Lighthouse. The lighthouse represents an important legacy of Key West and always stands as a beacon for a safe welcome to this beautiful island! I’m ready to welcome you with many wonderful real estate options here in Key West. Give me a call today. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.