Key Biscayne
Mary Ann and William Davis purchased Key Biscayne circa 1821 for $100. While there was initial confusion regarding the legality of the transaction, title to the island cleared in 1824.
That same year the U.S. government purchased three acres of the Davis property for $225 on which to build the Cape Florida Lighthouse. John Dubose was assigned as the 65-foot tall lighthouse’s first keeper. The light was first lit December 17, 1825.
Life was quiet on the island for Dubose who observed, “This lighthouse is located different from any other on the coastline in the interior of the island ¼ of a mile from the beach in the midst of scrubs and palmettos, without any tree to shade the [lighthouse keeper’s] house… Wreckers generally pass by on their way for supply of water… sometimes for weeks I do not see a soul on the island.”
