LIGHTHOUSE XX

KEY WEST LIGHTHOUSE, FLORIDA

Order No. 124

HISTORY: The present Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 to aid ships navigating dangerous reefs off the lower Keys. It replaced an 1825 model located on Whitehead Point. Key West Light sits at the southern tip of Florida's Keys. Originally 46 feet high and powered by 15 oil lamps with reflectors, the tower was extended to 86 feet in 1894. The lighthouse and keepers quarters have been fully restored. It was deactivated in 1969 but restored to active service in 1972 as a private aid to navigation.

The present lighthouse replaced the original tower built in 1824 that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1846. It is the 15^th oldest surviving lighthouse in the country. A third-order Fresnel lens was placed in the tower in 1872 and another 20’ was added to the height of the tower in 1892.

Visitors can climb 88 irons steps to the observation deck that affords spectacular views. You can envision the keeper climbing the steps each day to clean and fuel the lamps. The lighthouse is presently leased to the Key West Art & Historical Society.

STITCHING INFORMATION: Stitch count: 94 stitches wide by 200 high. Our model was stitched on a 12" x 18" piece of white 16-count AIDA fabric. To use a different type of fabric or different AIDA sized fabric, give the stitch count to your fabric store and they will help you select the correct amount of fabric to complete this design. Our threads were carefully chosen to depict the actual colors of the lighthouse to give it the most realistic appearance possible.