Northwest Passage Light

Northwest Passage Light was a lighthouse in Monroe County, Florida, featuring a square high-peaked house structure mounted on iron pilings near the Key West harbor entrance. The tower rose approximately 47 feet tall and marked the northwestern channel that guided vessels safely into port.

The United States established a lightship at this location in 1838, which survived the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 while other lighthouses were destroyed. The wooden structure later burned down in 1971, yet the iron pilings remained as evidence of its presence.

Local mariners referred to the structure as the Hemingway house on water, connecting the maritime heritage with the literary legacy of Key West.

The site sits in shallow water along the northwestern channel to Key West and is mainly visible from a distance. Visitors can spot the remaining iron pilings from the water, especially during clear weather and low sun angles.

The lighthouse was equipped with an automated acetylene gas system installed in 1911 that made the structure unmanned. This early automation was a significant step in simplifying harbor lighting along the Florida Keys.

Location: Monroe County

GPS coordinates: 24.61897,-81.89909

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:40