Discover a vital part of Floridas history with admission to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. This Key West museum once belonged to a wealthy wrecker named Francis Watlington. Experience Key West from a birds eye view as you climb to the top of the 65-foot Shipwreck Museum lookout tower. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Telephone: 305-292-8990; Fax: (305) 292-1617; Terms & Conditions Its located at 200 Greene St. in Old Town. 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The Spanish name would be anglicized into its present day name of Key West. We loved it! In 1831, the Maria, whose crew and passengers totaled 250, foundered on the reef off Key West. The first person to reach the wreck, would get the best of the spoils. I can tell you my hometown does not. See how the rewards of this dangerous profession made Key West one of the richest cities in America. see what everyones talking about. Salvaged ships and cargo was brought to market in Key West and a portion of the auction proceeds, approximately twenty percent, were awarded to the wrecker and his crew. the next day and not remembering exactly what happened there so my only complaint would be I wish that they had given you a pamphlet telling you what went on On each stop! up. Subsequently, Key West became the primary hub for selling the salvaged cargo and many of the Bahamian wreckers moved permanently to Key West. Wrecking vessels would normally anchor at night in protected anchorages along the Keys, then sail out in Key West has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Map Web. Visit the 65-foot lookout tower that offers a spectacular view of the island. Many Bahamian wreckers eventually moved to Key West and became U.S. citizens. Date of experience: June 2019. Discover the 1856 world of master wrecker Asa Tift and learn how he and other wreckers made Key West the richest city in the United States. Lookout towers were built and used to spot wrecks. Today, you can visit the Wreckers Museum in Key West, once the home of 19-centurymaster wrecker John G. Geiger. Read more. On this evening walking tour, brave a visit to some of the citys spookiest spots, uncover the eerie legends of Robert the Doll and The Watcher, and visit notoriously haunted sites such as La Concha Hotel, the Oldest House, and Saint Paul's Church. This we happened upon one of the ghost tours that we took. If you have never been here before, you are in for a real treat. Housman bought the 11-acre island and started developing it, and by 1840 Indian Key had become Housmans tropical paradise. The History. What restaurants are near The Oldest House? Key West Wreckers tells the story of an industry where wreckers made a good living by salvaging the beleaguered ships and their valuable cargo and crew. That same year, entrepreneur John Simonton purchased Key West for $2,000. Ring the bells make some noise enjoy what is there. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Fun Fact: Perched upon tall observation towers, the Key West wreckers watched the reef day and night. By the 1830s, sixty to ninety percent of all exports to 1856, the era of the wreckers. The garden is located on the original shoreline. Therefore, wrecking got off to a bad start in the Keys. Actors, films and actual artifacts tell the story of the era when Key West was the richest city in the United States, thanks to the harvesting of cargo from the many shipwrecks off the coast. Our guide Saud was very knowledgeable and friendly. The coral reefs and Key Wests 100-square-block historic district are in full view from the 65-foot-high roost. This is truly a hidden gem in Key West. History Museums, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Sites, Specialty Museums, History Museums, Historic Sites, Historic Sites, Gardens, Scenic Walking Areas. Takes less than 30 minutes. To participate or for more info., call (305) 292-3302. Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Museum The Shipwreck Historeum in Key West is full of exhibits of real live treasure from the wrecks of Key Wests history. When tall ships plied the waters beyond Key West someone was watching. The cargo would then be auctioned and shared with all the residents of Key West. Wrecking was a mainstay of the Bahamian economy through most of the 19th century. Wrecking was a very lucrative business. Spanish settlers were the first Europeans to inhabit the Florida Keys, and after discovering a burial mound on one of the southernmost islands, they named it Cayo Hueso, meaning Bone Island. Climb the 65-foot-high tower on top of the Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum at Mallory Square to see how far you can see. Today, you can visit the Wreckers Museum in Key West, once the home of 19-centurymaster wrecker John G. Geiger. Keep in mind the s Actors play out stories of Key West wrecking. In years gone by as storms battered the Keys or ships tried to make their way past the treacherous reef by night, the watchman would sit up in his tower (which you can still see today) scanning the horizon for signs of a wreck. Interesting stories associated with the house. This is basically how Key West flourished in the 19th century. The tour stars with a film that explains how the salvagers spotted a wreck, tried to save any survivors and kept the cargo. Looking For Something Florida Keys Related? 305-292-8990. This is basically how Key West flourished in the 19th century. Discover the 1856 world of master wrecker Asa Tift and learn how he and other wreckers made Key West the richest city in the United States. Spain transferred control of the island to the United States in 1821. The June 10th, 1826 Pensacola Gazette reported that gross duties paid on goods landed in Key West increased from $389 in 1823 to $14,108 in 1824, and this was only the beginning. Some of our most popular Key West tourist activities on the water include dolphin encounters, kayaking the backcountry, diving and snorkeling at Ft. Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas, or renting a boat at a Key West marina to explore on your own. A fine example of public art and history combined. They would also patrol the reef in their own small vessels. I never heard of it before and our ghost tour guide taught us so much history about it and it was very interestingly. Ships and entire cargoes were sold. Many a Key West salvaging family became wealthy as a result. Only $5, super cool and super short. Wreckers Museum and Oldest House Key West has is located at 322 Duval St. As a wrecker and sea captain, he routinely searched the seas for ships that had foundered. I really liked that this museum was free and it was so interesting to learn, We stopped off on the train tour and had a look round this house. Tour was interesting. The museum features a famous and lucrative wreck called the Isaac Allerton. Schooner Wharf Open Air Art & Music Affair Photos 2019 Wreckers rescued all hands, the equivalent of half the islands population. The course is 7 miles from Key West Harbor to Sand Key, re-enacting the ancient wrecking tradition of Key Westa series of ruthless one way races to the reef to claim the booty. The ship got caught in a hurricane and eventually smashed into Washer Woman Shoals in August 1856. Cost now is $10 per adult. Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, I love history and I have always been fascinated by the history of Key West in particular - such a strange and sordid past! 2021 Parrot Head Meeting Of The Minds Party. Having Visit the Mel Fisher Heritage Museum in Key West to learn all about the modern-day wreckers life and view some artifacts of his treasure find. When a wreck was spotted, the cry of Wreck Ashore! would echo across the island as men scrambled to the docks to join the race to the reef. 2019 Wreckers Race Results: MARCH: March 6: 21st Annual Open Air Art & Music Affair 9:30am to midnight The Best of Key West's Art and Artists. Free Admission. People working/volunteering are great! Frequency License Type Tone Alpha Tag Description Mode Tag ; 119.67500 : B: CSQ: ATIS : Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) AM : Aircraft : 121.90000 My husband and I stopped in first thing after we landed, and we are so glad we started here! Climb the 120-foot wrecking tower and see the best views of Key West. Wrecking still occurs, though the intentional destruction of The cargo would then be auctioned and shared with all the residents of Key West. There are Key West attractions for everyone. You can climb the tower for a birds eye view of Key West. The Sculpture Garden opened in September 1997 and was set aside by the Key West City Commission to honor those men and women who had the greatest impact on Key West. This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800s. Wrecking was a very lucrative business. The tour stars with a film that explains how the salvagers spotted a wreck, tried to save any survivors and kept the cargo. more. This Key West museum once belonged to a wealthy wrecker named Francis Watlington. As a wrecker and sea captain, he routinely searched the seas for ships that had foundered. shipwreck Story LOG. Jimmy B wrote a review May 2019. Wreckers actually used towers to watch for ships in distress and the museums reproduction of one is a highlight for visitors who wish to climb it. The staff were very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions, A good tour. Wreckers rescued all hands, the equivalent of half the islands population. There are 36 busts of Key West's most influential people plus a large sculpture titled "The Wreckers" all made by sculptor James Mastin. Does your city honor those who helped to create it? Key West Shipwreck Museum 1 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida 33040. The ship got caught in a hurricane and eventually smashed into Washer Woman Shoals in August 1856. Artifacts, laser technology, video presentations and live actors as well as a 65-foot observation tower make the museum a unique experience. You can climb the tower for a birds eye view of Key West. Aired: 10/11/16 Rating: NR Today one of the popular Key West attractions is the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Building observation towers throughout the Keys wreckers like Asa Tift made their living by salvaging shipwrecks along the Florida Reef. Still very cool stuff inside and it is cool to see the set. THE HISTORY: In years gone by, watchman would sit up on top of lookout towers (like our very own at the Shipwreck Museum) scanning the horizon for signs of a wreck. Lookout towers were built and used to spot wrecks. Explore two floors of artifacts from shipwrecks spanning 400 years, featuring treasures from the Spanish fleets of the 1600 and 1700s. This reenactment honors a time in Key West history where wreckers raced to a disabled ship, rescued the crew, and then claimed the cargo. shipwreck Story LOG. Music by Local and National Acts. We recommend booking The Oldest House tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Built in 1829, the house was owned by William Wall, an English mariner rescued by wreckers and later a Key West businessman, and Francis Watlington, a harbor pilot, wrecker and Therefore, wrecking got off to a bad start in the Keys. Harry S Truman Little White House. A nice, inexpensive tour right in the middle of town. Its located at 200 Greene St. in Old Town. Go to new heights. Building observation towers throughout the Keys wreckers like Asa Tift made their living by salvaging shipwrecks along the Florida Reef. On this evening walking tour, brave a visit to some of the citys spookiest spots, uncover the eerie legends of Robert the Doll and The Watcher, and visit notoriously haunted sites such as La Concha Hotel, the Oldest House, and Saint Paul's Church. Wreckers Museum and Oldest House Key West has is located at 322 Duval St. Share. It was neat to see and hear, but they don't let you on the second floor which is weird - they obviously have people coming every day, why wouldn't they set up the upstairs as well? In 1856 there were 302 ships and 2,679 men (out of a total population of 27,000) licensed as wreckers in the Bahamas. Well preserved historic home. Go to the museum and enjoy all the artifacts recovered from the wrecks, then climb the tower just to get a look at key west. When a wreck was spotted, the cry of Wreck Ashore would echo all over the island as men scrambled to the docks to join the race to the reef. let us take you back. Think about that. Wrecking still occurs, though Key West has a reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States. The museum is a model of an 1856 wrecker's warehouse. It is so well presented, Charming house with a lot of history. View Website Call. In 1831, the Maria, whose crew and passengers totaled 250, foundered on the reef off Key West. John gave us a wonderful tour, and I highly recommend it. key west excellence. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Welcome to Key West, Florida. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases such as the various, Copyright 2011 - 2021 Florida-Keys-Vacation.com - All rights reserved, Bicycling Florida Keys Safety Tips And Bike Trail Maps, 2021 Florida Keys Marathon Events And Dates, Conversant/Commission Junction Privacy Policy, Facebook Cookies & Other Storage Technologies Policies, Google Privacy Policies For All Google Services. Key West Wreckers Race Series 2019. Florida Keys marathon race dates and schedule information. Ships and entire cargoes were sold. The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum celebrates the history of the Key West wreckers with two floors of artifacts from shipwrecks that includes treasures from the Spanish fleets of the 1600 and 1700s, as well as a large collection of pieces from the 1856 wreckage of the Isaac Allerton, one of the richest shipwrecks in Key West history. The museum is a model of an 1856 wrecker's warehouse. They were able to find 36 men and woman who impacted the history of Key West. Key West only had a population of a few hundred. Helpful. Explore Artifacts. Climb the 65-foot-high tower on top of the Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum at Mallory Square to see how far you can see. The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum celebrates the history of the Key West wreckers with two floors of artifacts from shipwrecks that includes treasures from the Spanish fleets of the 1600 and 1700s, as well as a large collection of pieces from the 1856 wreckage of the Isaac Allerton, one of the richest shipwrecks in Key West history. Many early settlers in Key West and Islamorada were wreckers salvaging goods from ships that sank along the continental United States only living coral barrier reef, which runs parallel to the Keys. There youll meet master wrecker Asa Tift as he shows you how salvaging helped make Key West the richest city in America. At the Key West Aquarium youll meet Key Wests underwater residents including sharks, turtles, stingrays and hundreds of tropical and game fish. for Hometown pass members. There was a small settlement on the island, and it was far enough away from Key West that Housman wouldnt be competing with that citys wreckers. Experience Key West from a birds eye view as you climb to the top of the 65-foot Shipwreck Museum lookout tower. Phone: 305-809-3983 Fax: 305-293-8369 Dockmaster: 305-809-3984 Key West Bight Marina is located at: 201 William St Key West, FL 33040 24-33.743 N 081-48.065W Do you need to book in advance to visit The Oldest House? There was a lovely gentleman who was the guide and gave us lots of interesting information about the house. Key West Web Cam at The Observation Tower. Key West only had a population of a few hundred. Salvaged ships and cargo was brought to market in Key West and a portion of the auction proceeds, approximately twenty percent, were awarded to the wrecker and his crew. Key West Shipwreck Historeum and Museum The Shipwreck Historeum in Key West is full of exhibits of real live treasure from the wrecks of Key Wests history. Before you go check out the view from the online towercam. climbing our 65 ft lookout tower. The June 10th, 1826 Pensacola Gazette reported that gross duties paid on goods landed in Key West increased from $389 in 1823 to $14,108 in 1824, and this was only the beginning. Here discover the beauty of the island and survey the oceans for wrecks. Bicycling Florida Keys your bike vacation will take you through towns and over bridges and offer numerous local bike trails to explore. The brave wreckers would watch the reef night and day from observation towers (some over 90 high). 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