Marathon in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Marathon: Heart of the Keys

Overseas Railway Construction Headquarters

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 5, 2019

1. Marathon: Heart of the Keys Marker

Inscription. Marathon began in 1908 as construction headquarters and chief shipping terminal for Henry M. Flagler's "Overseas Railway" to Key West. Through it passed thousands of workmen and immense quantities of material and supplies. At near by Knight's Key dock trains from New York met steamers from Havana daily until the railroad reached Key West January 22, 1912. The Seven Mile Bridge west of town resting on 546 concrete piers was at the time the longest railroad bridge of concrete and steel in the world. A storm on September 2, 1935 ended railroad operations. Ten years later the Overseas Highway built on the same track bed and bridges began to be used.

Erected 1969 by Historical Association of Southern Florida.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 24° 43.013′ N, 81° 4.46′ W. Marker is in Marathon, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is on Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles east of Sombrero Beach Road (County Route 931), on the right when traveling west. Marker is at the railroad passenger car at Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 5550 Overseas Highway, Marathon FL 33050, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Henry Morrison Flagler (a few steps from this marker); Vaca Railroad Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Demise of the Overseas Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Stained Glass Windows of St. Columba Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Seven-Mile Historic Bridge (approx. 3.2 miles away).

Marathon: Heart of the Keys Marker taken in 1993 at a different location. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, circa 1993

2. Marathon: Heart of the Keys Marker taken in 1993 at a different location.

Marathon: Heart of the Keys Marker and passenger car image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, November 5, 2019

3. Marathon: Heart of the Keys Marker and passenger car

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.