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INDIAN KEY – Free Presentation
March 20, 2023 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Indian Key by Irving R Eyster and Bob Eyster
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host this month free audio-visual presentation on Monday, March 20th starting at 6:30 pm at Island Community Church located at 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.
Indian Key has a rich and exciting history inclusive of Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, pirates, wreckers, politicians, ship builders, and the U.S. Navy. It gained prominence as a wrecking village from which ships sailed to salvage the many shipwrecks on the treacherous reef just offshore. This was the domain of Jacob Housman, who was known as the most notorious wrecker in Florida. It was also the locale of the first resort in South Florida. Once ashore, one could find a hotel, bowling alley, bar, general store, post office, blacksmith and carpentry shop, as well as warehouses for salvaged goods. The island transformed into the busiest port between St. Augustine and Key West. Indian Key became the first County Seat of Dade County (now Miami-Dade County) before Miami existed, and it remained a major part of South Florida history, extending beyond the Indian Key Massacre and the burning of the village. Indian Key still has many stories to tell through the remains of structures which were part of this once thriving island community.
For more information contact Barbara at 305-393-0940