Sombrero Key Light, Offshore lighthouse near Marathon, Florida
Sombrero Key Light is a red iron octagonal pyramid structure standing approximately 142 feet (43 meters) above the water. The tower features multiple platforms that once served as working and living spaces for the lighthouse keepers.
The lighthouse was built in 1858 under the supervision of General George Meade to guide ships through dangerous coral reefs. The construction was a technical achievement of its time and helped guide countless vessels through treacherous waters for over a century.
The lighthouse served as a vital beacon for mariners navigating hazardous waters between the Keys. Its red iron frame became a familiar and trusted landmark for generations of ships passing through the region.
Since the lighthouse sits on a submerged reef, it is not directly accessible from land. Visitors can view it from a boat or learn about its history and original Fresnel lens through exhibits at the Key West Lighthouse Museum.
The original Fresnel lens that illuminated ships for over a century now resides in the Key West Lighthouse Museum. This sophisticated optical system was a breakthrough in lighting technology and could alert vessels from great distances away.
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