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

Hurricane Houses

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, November 11, 2015

1. Hurricane Houses Marker

Inscription. After the 'Great Hurricane' of 1935, the Red Cross and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed 16 houses for Islamorada area families. Built to be 'hurricane proof,' they consisted of poured concrete and steel. Several hurricane houses still stand throughout the vicinity. The doorways stand high above ground; the foundations are 18 inches thick; there are large cisterns beneath the floors to store fresh water. The cisterns hold enough water to sustain a small family throughout the dry season.

Erected by Matecumbe Historical Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 24° 54.971′ N, 80° 38.221′ W. Marker is in Islamorada, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on Old Highway (County Route 905) just east of Beach Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81651 Old Highway, Islamorada FL 33036, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American

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South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Sweeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); Helen Wadley Branch Library (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Florida Keys Memorial (about 400 feet away); The 1935 Hurricane (about 500 feet away); Hurricane Monument (about 500 feet away); Matecumbe Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); Pioneer Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Green Turtle Inn (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Islamorada.

Hurricane House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, July 6, 2019

2. Hurricane House and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.