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

Wreckers

Key West Art & Historical Society

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

1. Wreckers Marker

Inscription.
For over a century the Florida Keys reaped the rewards of shipwrecked vessels on its 200 miles of reefs and shoals. In the early 1800s there was a shipwreck a week. During the 1830s, nearly 60-90 percent of all exports from Florida came from wrecking. The use of "False Lights" to lure ships onto a reef is a popular fable. In reality an unidentified light in the night represents land or a maritime dange to be avoided.

—Circa 1822—
Key West Historic Marker
Free Audio Walking Tour
Call: 305•507•0300
Sponsor: Florida Department of State,
Division of Historical Resources

Erected by Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 58.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. 24° 33.574′ N, 81° 48.416′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Wall Street and Tifts Street, on the left when traveling north on Wall Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 Wall Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American 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

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: "The Wreckers" (here, next to this marker); The Origins of Island Roots & Key West Memorial Sculpture Garden (here, next to this marker); Marco Golan (here, next to this marker); Island Welcome Center (Tift & Co.) Shell Warehouse (Ice House) (a few steps from this marker); Asa F. Tift (a few steps from this marker); Tennessee Williams (a few steps from this marker); Judge William Marvin (a few steps from this marker); The Conch Republic (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . .
1. History of the Florida Keys and “Wrecking”. (Submitted on May 10, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Key West Art & Historical Society. (Submitted on May 10, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

2. Wreckers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.