Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Turtle Kraals Museum
Key West Art & Historical Society
As long as humans have inhabited the Florida Keys, turtles have been a valuable and much sought after food source. For decades, this building and its kraals operated as a cannery in the center of the turtle industry. Kraals take their name from the Dutch African word for "corral." They functioned as holding pens for captured turtles. Two hundred years of overfishing led to near extinction of the turtle population. The Endangered Species Act of 1971 led to the demise of the cannery.
—Circa 1920—
Key West Historic Marker
Free Audio Walking Tour
Call: 305•507•0300
Sponsor: Key West Historic Seaport
Erected by Key West Historic Seaport. (Marker Number 78.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 24° 33.699′ N, 81° 48.028′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from Margaret Street, 0.1 miles north of Caroline Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 Margaret Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Turtle Kraals Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Industry Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Thompson's Fish House (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Terminus the Over-Sea Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); The Railroad that Died at Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); The Maggie Atwell House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry Morrison Flagler (about 300 feet away); Schooner Western Union (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Also see . . .
1. Turtle Kraals & Cannery. (Submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Key West Art & Historical Society. (Submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.