description Garden Key Lighthouse Overview
Located on Georges Island in the Chesapeake Bay, the Garden Key Lighthouse was constructed in 1828 and served as a vital navigational aid for ships until its automation in 1965, now maintained by the U.S. Parks Service.
help Garden Key Lighthouse FAQ
Where is Garden Key Lighthouse located?
Garden Key Lighthouse is in Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, on Garden Key near Fort Jefferson. It is not on Georges Island in the Chesapeake Bay.
When was Garden Key Lighthouse first lit?
The original Garden Key light was first lit on July 4, 1826. The U.S. Coast Guard records the station as established in July 1824.
Why was another lighthouse built near Garden Key?
The original light had visibility and equipment problems, and shipwrecks continued in the area. Loggerhead Lighthouse was built on nearby Loggerhead Key in 1858 with a taller tower and stronger optics.
Is Garden Key Lighthouse still operating?
The Garden Key light is no longer operational. The surviving tower is a hexagonal boilerplate-iron structure built on Fort Jefferson after the original tower was replaced.
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