The history of Egmont Key centers around its ideal location that overlooks the entrance of Tampa Bay. The key was recognized as a natural position for a lighthouse as early as 1833. Egmont was named for the second Earl of Egmont and indicates the area was once under British control. The island's original beacon was certified in April, 1848, and by September the key was swept by a powerful hurricane, testing the lighthouse foundation. The tower survived, but the lightkeeper quickly turned in his resignation. Several more bouts of severe weather prompted a replacement lighthouse in 1857.
     Today, the Florida Park Service shares management duties with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The key is also designated as a national wildlife refuge. During the Spanish American War, Fort Dade was constructed on the key and remained a small city until 1923, when it was decommissioned. Remnants of the fort paved the way for a listing in the National Register of Historical Places. The island can be reached only by boat and is large enough to hold visitor's interest for an afternoon. The Egmont Key Lighthouse is another inviting feature, and uses a rotating beacon instead of a traditional fresnel lens.