Cape Florida Lighthouse, Cape Florida Florida

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Date added: November 03, 2024
Lighthouse viewed from northwest (1970)

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The Cape Florida Lighthouse served as an essential link in the series of navigation aids built on the eastern seaboard to assist waterborne commerce. With its completion in 1825, the light marked the southeastern tip of Key Biscayne, indicated the location of the dangerous Florida Reef and led mariners to the safe anchorage provided in the lee of the Key.

The lighthouse came to the nation's attention in 1836 during the Second Seminole War. John W. B. Thompson, the Assistant Keeper, and a black helper were forced to barricade themselves in the lighthouse during a Seminole raid on July 23rd 1836. His personal account appeared in Niles Register and provided the reader of the day with a suspense story that would match any contrived fictitious adventure. The Indians set fire to the wood door and boarded window which were even with the ground; the fire was fed by 225 gallons of stored oil for the light. Thompson and his helper were forced to the top of the structure, out thourgh the lantern and on to a two feet wide platform. There, they were almost roasted alive and to end their suffering, Thompson threw a keg of gunpowder down the shaft. The resulting explosion did not kill the men, but did throw down the stairs and woodwork within the lighthouse, after which the flames subsided. His helper died from wounds (seven in all), but Thompson survived despite six rifle balls, three in each foot. A Navy schooner, twelve miles offshore, heard the gunpowder explosion and came to Thompson's rescue, in later years Thompson's account of the incident varied.

The destruction of the lighthouse uncovered a fraud perpetuated on the government. Samuel B. Lincoln contracted to build a tower of solid brick, sixty-five feet high and walls five feet thick at the base and tapering to two feet at the top. The walls were found to be actually hollow and the contractor saved the cost of about half the required brick. After letting the contract, Collector Deareborn of Boston had appointed Noah Humphreys to inspect and certify the work. Humphreys submitted his certification on December 17th, 1825 attesting to the completeness of the work.

Rebuilding of the light was authorized in 1837, but was not actually accomplished until 1846 because of hostile Indians in the area. In 1855, the tower was raised to 95 feet. In 1861, during the Civil War, the lighting apparatus was destroyed and not put back into operation until 1867. The light went out of active service in 1878 when Fowery Rock Light went into operation.

Cape Florida Lighthouse, Cape Florida Florida Lighthouse viewed from northwest (1970)
Lighthouse viewed from northwest (1970)