Key West's Forgotten Lady of the Lighthouse

In 2016, we traveled to Key West, Florida, and one of our stops was at the Key West Lighthouse, where we learned the haunted tales of the Key West's Forgotten Lady of the Lighthouse.

The Key West Lighthouse, formally designated as the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, stands as a prominent historical landmark in Key West, Florida. This iconic structure serves as a vital navigational aid and embodies the rich maritime history of the region. Over the years, it has transformed into a beloved tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe who are eager to explore its storied past and enjoy the breathtaking views it offers of the surrounding waters.

Established in 1825, the original lighthouse was constructed on the southernmost point of the continental United States, specifically designed to guide ships safely into the bustling harbor of Key West, which was a significant port during the 19th century. The current structure, which we see today, was completed in 1848 after the original lighthouse was deemed inadequate due to erosion and other factors. Standing at an impressive height of 108 feet, this conical design is constructed primarily of brick and features a distinctive white exterior, making it a striking visual landmark against the blue sky and ocean. In 1969, the lighthouse underwent a significant modernization when it was automated, effectively eliminating the need for a keeper to reside on-site. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the lighthouse's history, as it reflected broader technological advancements in navigation and maritime safety.

For those who venture to the Key West Lighthouse, an exhilarating experience awaits as visitors can climb the 88 steps that spiral up to the lantern room at the top. Upon reaching the summit, guests are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Key West, including stunning vistas of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the vibrant landscape of the island itself. The Keeper's Quarters Museum, located adjacent to the lighthouse, provides an insightful glimpse into the history of the lighthouse and the daily lives of the keepers who once maintained its light. The museum features various exhibits, including historical artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that highlight the challenges and triumphs faced by those who dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety of mariners. The site is open to the public year-round, and while there is an admission fee required for entry, the experience is well worth the cost. Special events and educational programs are often held at the lighthouse, further enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for this historic site.

The Key West Lighthouse holds a place of immense importance not only as a navigational aid but also as a cherished symbol of the island's rich maritime heritage. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that lighthouses have played in ensuring the safety of countless vessels throughout history. Each year, the lighthouse attracts numerous visitors, contributing significantly to the cultural and historical appreciation of Key West. The stories and experiences shared by visitors and locals alike help to preserve the legacy of this iconic structure, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the community's identity for generations to come.

The Female Lighthouse Keeper

Considered to be Key West's Forgotten Lady of the Lighthouse, Barbara Mabrity took over as the keeper of the light when her husband, Michael, died of yellow fever in 1932. Every day she would climb the 88 stairs of the lighthouse until she was fired in 1864 after a dispute with a union soldier.

During the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846, Keeper Mabrity came dangerously close to losing his life in the hurricane. On the evening of Saturday, October 10th, the winds picked up and big waves broke over the shoreline of the island. By eleven o'clock, the low-lying island was being pounded by the full force of the storm. By today's standards, the hurricane that occurred in 1846 would be classified as a Category 5. The storm's powerful winds and giant seas dismasted, capsized, or sunk the vessels anchored in Key West Harbor. In addition, almost all of the 600 homes in Key West had their roofs destroyed or crushed by the storm. Several locals, including Mabrity, sought refuge in the brick lighthouse while they were inside. On the other hand, the enormous storm surge that was sweeping across the island caused significant damage to Fort Taylor, as well as the destruction of the apartments of the lightkeeper and the washing away of the foundation of the lighthouse. Mabrity was able to flee the lighthouse before it fell, but the collapse of the structure allowed at least a dozen people to become trapped within and ultimately lose their lives.

There were numerous accounts that reported that Mabrity had lost her children as a result of the tragedy that occurred after the storm; however, further research suggests that these allegations were incorrect. Despite this, Mabrity had lost nearly everything else that was affected by the storm, and Key West was completely destroyed, with a large number of residents being injured, missing, or missing alive. The revenue cutter officer William Pease, whose own ship was lost in the hurricane, claimed that "the lighthouses at Key West and Sand Key washed away, and Key West is in ruins." Key West is located in the middle of the harbor. The location where the Key West Lighthouse once stood is now covered by a beach with white sand.

Barbara Mabrity continued to serve in spite of the losses she had suffered. Immediately after the storm, workers built a thirty-foot-tall makeshift beacon to replace the original light. At the beginning of the year 1847, the federal government purchased an acre of land on the highest elevation in Key West. They then started the construction of a new lighthouse and keeper's quarters, and they finished the facilities the following year. Mabrity was granted permission by the United States Lighthouse Service in the year 1854 to employ an assistant to assist in the maintenance of the light and buoys that were put in the port. She had been the proprietor of Key West Light for close to thirty years at this point, making her 72 years old.

In the beginning of 1861, Florida broke away from the Union. Key West, on the other hand, was an island that was cut off from the affairs of the mainland, and it relied significantly on federal institutions such as the Army, Navy, Revenue Cutter Service, Customs Service, and Lighthouse Service. Even though the Confederates had destroyed the majority of Florida's lighthouses, Mabrity persisted to keep the light on, although business and civic affairs remained on a wartime footing. At this point, Mabrity had already entered her 80th year.

A formidable task, Mabrity's role during the Civil War required her to supervise the new keeper's quarters, the larger lighthouse and accompanying outbuildings, as well as some aids to navigation surrounding Key West. In addition, she was responsible for overseeing the larger lighthouse. People accused her of sympathizing with the Southern states in 1862. She refuted this accusation, a denial that was backed up by her history of devoted service to the federal government both during the war and during times of peace. Nevertheless, by the time the war was in its later phases, she was already in her 80s, an age at which many of her male colleagues had either retired or passed away, and the military encouraged her to retire as well. Mabrity was adamant about not leaving her position, but by the year 1864, she had reached the age of 82 and acknowledged that it was time for her to resign. After serving the Key West Light for nearly four decades, she passed away just three years later, having exhausted her physical capabilities.

Paranormal Activity

One of the most famous ghost stories involves the spirit of a former lighthouse keeper. It is said that he continues to watch over the lighthouse and its visitors. Many staff and guests have reported seeing a figure in period clothing wandering around the grounds, especially during the night.

Visitors have often reported hearing strange noises, such as footsteps and whispers, especially when climbing the stairs of the lighthouse. Some have claimed to see unexplained lights flickering in the tower, even when no one else is around.

Another eerie tale involves the sounds of children playing near the lighthouse. Some believe these are the spirits of children who lived in the area long ago. Visitors have reported hearing laughter and the sound of running feet, only to find no one there.

There are those who have also reported seeing the apparition of a Union officer standing at the doorway of the lighthouse. The officer does not look happy and seems to be waiting to speak with someone.

Many guests have experienced sudden drops in temperature or feelings of unease while exploring the lighthouse. These cold spots are often associated with paranormal activity, leading to speculation about the presence of spirits in the area.