Cape Florida Light

Built in 1825, the Cape Florida Lighthouse is recognized as the oldest structure in South Florida and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

It became the only lighthouse to have been attacked by Native Americans when a band of Seminole Indians attacked and burned the tower in July of 1836.  The threat of further attacks prevented reconstruction for more than ten years and, the lighthouse remained out of service until 1847, when it was rebuilt.  A U.S. Army base was later built nearby to protect the land and sea from subsequent attacks.  Later in January 1861, Florida seceded from the Union, and one night in August of that year, the lamps and burners were removed from the lighthouse and the center prism of the lens was smashed so it could not be used to help the Union sailors controlling the surrounding waters.

After the Civil War, Cape Florida Light was repaired, but in 1878 it was extinguished, this time because the offshore Fowey Rocks Light had replaced it.  By the 1920s the coastline had eroded so much that the lighthouse, originally 100 feet from shore, now stood only 10 from the water.  Tropical storms had also destroyed the keeper’s house and cookhouse.

The lighthouse was finally purchased, along with the tip of Key Biscayne, by the State Cabinet in 1966.  Following the opening of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, named in honor of the news editor who spearheaded the campaign to save the lighthouse, it underwent its first restoration in 1967-70.  One hundred years after Cape Florida Light had been extinguished, it was re-lit on July 4, 1978.  The rest of the station was also brought back to life, as the keeper’s dwelling , outhouse, cookhouse, and cistern were all rebuilt.  However, following Hurricane Andrew the light and keeper’s house had to be restored a second time in 1992-96.

The lighthouse is open for tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Thursday through Monday.  While the 109 step climb is not for the faint hearted, the fresh breeze and beautiful views from the tower’s top are well worth it.  Inside the lighthouse property, you will also find a replica of the keeper’s cottage burned by the Seminole, which contains displays depicting early life on the island.