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Although we have published a number of photos of Florida’s Carysfort Reef Lighthouse in the past, this one that recently came into our possession offers several unique features not seen in some of the other photos. Although we don’t know the year that this image was taken, it clearly shows the lighthouse when it was still a fully staffed station and when it still had its outer balcony walkway with a railing going around the keepers’ quarters of the tower. If you look closely, you will notice a chair on the balcony and two lighthouse keepers standing by the boat davits to the lighthouse. Relaxing outside of the metal keepers’ quarters would have been the only way to stay cool at this lighthouse. The balcony walkway and railing were removed after automation in the 1960s, giving the lighthouse a much different appearance today. Standing on the very bottom platform of the lighthouse is a third keeper, perhaps awaiting the arrival of a supply vessel or relief keeper. Additionally, the flag of the United States of America is proudly flying at the lighthouse.
The Carysfort Reef Lighthouse stands out in the water about 16 miles from Key Largo, Florida. Completed in 1852, it was the first lighthouse completed under the direction of Lt. George Meade, before he became a noted Civil War general.
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