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Managing Organization:
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Telephone: 305-361-5811
Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/
Contact Address Information:
1200 S. Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne
Florida, 33149, United States
Notes:
In 1835 the keeper of Cape Florida Light lost his wife and children in an Indian raid. The following year another keeper and his assistant were attacked in the lighthouse. The assistant was killed; the keeper was badly injured but was rescued by the crew of a passing naval vessel. The present tower had fallen into disrepair but a complete restoration took place between 1996 and 1999. The reastoration included installation of a new lantern dome, a new stairway, new windows and repairs to the brick walls of the tower.
Tower Height: 95
Height of Focal Plane: 100
Description of Tower: White, conical brick tower with black lantern.
This light is operational
Other Buildings?
1970 replica of 1846 two story brick keeper's house, also 1970 replicas of summer kitchen, outhouse and cistern.
Earlier Towers?
1825: Conical brick tower.
Date Established: 1825
Date Present Tower Built: 1846
Date Deactivated: 1878-1978 and 1990-1996
Date Automated: 1978
Optics: 1855: Second order Fresnel lens; now 300 mm.
Current Use: Museum, private aid to navigation.
Open To Public? Yes.
Museum?
Guided tours of the light station (nominal fee) are conducted Wednesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early to sign up on the tour list as there is a 10-person maximum. Children younger than eight are not allowed to climb the tower. Visitors are led through the furnished air-conditioned cottage and the cookhouse, now an air-conditioned video mini-theater.
Directions:
In Miami, at the intersection of I-95’s Exit 1 and US 1 (“Key Biscayne” sign), take the William Powell Bridge (toll east only) and causeway to Key Biscayne. Continue on South Crandon Boulevard and follow the posted “State Park” signs to the park entrance.
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Keepers Picks
Build your own lighthouse watch!
