Alligator Reef

Type:
Year Established:
1873
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1908
Alligator Reef
Download:
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2012
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archive
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
FOUR MILES EAST OF INDIAN KEY
Latitude:
24° 54.1'
Longitude:
80° 37.1'
City / Town:
ISLAMORADA
U.S. State:
Florida
Location County:
DADE
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
No
Light List Data:
  1. Alligator Reef
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1873
Tower Construction Material:
IRON
Tower Foundation:
IRON PILE W/PLATFORM
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
135.5
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
136
Tower Shape:
SKELETAL
Tower Daymark:
White
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1873
Keeper's Quarters Style:
INTEGRAL TO TOWER
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
IRON

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Original Optic Type:
FIRST ORDER, FRESNEL
Year Original Lens Installed:
1873
Private Aid:
No
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • The name honors the U.S. Navy Schooner "Alligator" which sunk at this location in 1822. Countless vessels have also sunk here on the reef's jagged coral.
  • This lighthouse cost $185,000 to build. It took a 2,000-pound hammer to drive the 12" iron pilings ten feet into the coral to support the tower. It still contains its original fourth order Fresnel lens and has a range of about 12 miles.
  • In October 2023 the new owners, "Friends of the Pool" relit the light as restoration of the lighthouse began.
Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017