American Shoal Lighthouse

Year Built

1880

Cost

$94,000

Type

Octagonal pyramidal skeletal tower

Height

110 feet

Location

Close to Looe Key Florida

Automated Year

1963

First Lit

1880

Lens Type

First-order drum Fresnel lens (1880), VRB-25 aerobeacon (current)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

2015

Color

Red tower and lantern

Last Keeper - Date

Gerald R. King (1961 – 1962)

Description

The light is approachable by boat and not open to public.

Brief History

•  As head keeper, William Bates, after arriving at the new tower from Sombrero Key Lighthouse, performed the inaugural lighting on July 15, 1880.
•  George Maroney was stationed on American Shoal Lighthouse for almost two years starting in April 1955.
•  On February 1, 2019, it was announced that the lighthouse would be given away freely to any government agencies.
•  On May 20, 2016, 24 Cuban refugees boarded the lighthouse.
•  The lighthouse was sold for $860,000 on May 22, 2022 to an undisclosed bidder.