This Miami lighthouse came under attack during a war. See the backstory

When the Cape Florida Lighthouse was built in 1825 on the tip of Key Biscayne, it was a 65-foot structure made of steel and wood that was used mainly to spot pirate ships.

The lighthouse was attacked by Indians during the second Seminole War in July 1836, in which early settlers were driven out of the Miami area. Lighthouse keeper John W. Thompson and his helper fled to the top of the tower, where they barricaded themselves.

The Indians entered the ground floor and found barrels full of oil, which they pierced and set ablaze. The fire worked its way up the structure until it reached the light chamber, forcing Thompson and his helper onto the metal railing that surrounded the top of the tower.

Below, the Indians attacked the two men with musket fire and arrows. Thompson was hit in the legs and feet, and his assistant was killed. In desperation, Thompson threw a keg of gunpowder into the fire. The powerful blast managed to dampen much of the blaze as well as kill many of his attackers.

Unable to get down, Thompson remained in the tower until a Navy schooner attracted by the blaze came to shore and rescued him.

The badly damaged tower was rebuilt with red bricks in 1846 to its present height of 95 feet. It remained in use until 1878, when the Coast Guard installed floating light buoys near the bay, making the lighthouse obsolete.

For 80 years the lighthouse sat deserted. In the late 1950s, the development of Key Biscayne brought the lighthouse back into the public eye. After a four-year restoration, the lighthouse reopened to the public in 1970 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse at the edge of Key Biscayne remains in working condition, but is no longer a navigational guide. Tours take place from 10 a.m. to noon every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s free with entry to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which is $8 per vehicle or $2 for a pedestrian or bicyclist.