A 142ft iron lighthouse standing over a shallow reef with coral canyons and arches in 2-9m, the shallowest and most photogenic…A 142ft iron lighthouse standing over a shallow reef with coral canyons and arches in 2-9m, the shallowest and most photogenic of the Keys reef lights. Elkhorn stands, parrotfish, tarpon and nurse sharks. Snorkellers get everything here. Built in 1858 by Lieutenant George Meade, who five years later commanded the Union army at Gettysburg. Deactivated in 2015 and now the subject of a preservation campaign as its ironwork corrodes. The reef below is a Sanctuary Preservation Area with active coral restoration outplanting. Anchorage: Mooring buoys on the reef; Boot Key Harbor at Marathon is the sheltered base and one of the best anchorages in the Keys. Hazards: The tower is closed and deteriorating, do not attempt to land on it. Plus