Dry Tortugas Lighthouse
Posted by: 
moochie
N 24° 37.830 W 082° 55.254
17R E 305562 N 2725393
The Dry Tortugas Lighthouse is on Loggerhead Key, the westernmost key in the Dry Tortugas National Park. Ferrys out of Key West only provide access to Garden Key and Fort Jefferson, where a distant view of the lighthouse is possible.
Waymark Code: WM1K70
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 05/25/2007
Views: 63
Even after the establishment of the lighthouse on Garden Key, ships were constantly running aground on the islands and reefs of the Dry Tortugas. Congress appropriated $35,000 in 1856 for a second, more powerful light on Loggerhead Key. The tower rose 150 feet with 203 granite blocks leading up to the lantern room. The steady white light was first illuminated on July 1, 1858. The first lens was a 1st order Fresnel lens, replaced by a second order bivalve lens in 1909. In 1986, the mercury lens was replaced with a DCB-24 and then in 1995, a VRB-25. The light was automated in 1987 and is still is service today. The pier on Loggerhead Key is closed to the public. Therefore, the island must be accessed by anchoring offshore and either wade or take a small boat ashore.
Coastal Lighthouse: Lighthouse
Range Lights: Not listed
LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE VISIT: Not listed
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