Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Sponging
Key West Art & Historical Society
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
1. Sponging Marker
left Key West and arrived in
New York City in 1849
starting an island industry
that lasted 50 years. Sponges
grow in sponge beds
in approximately 20 feet of
water. They are harvested
using a pole with a pronged
rake on the end to snare the
sponges. By 1890, Key West
held a monopoly on the
sponge trade in the
United States. At its peak,
1,200 spongers on
350 "hook boats" caught
2,000 tons of sponges a year.
— Circa 1849 —
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. (Marker Number 46.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 24° 33.68′ N, 81° 48.196′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is on Front Street, 0.2 miles north of Simonton Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker can be found on Key West bight near the A
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A&B Lobster House (within shouting distance of this marker); Thompson’s Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Norberg Thompson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coca-Cola Bottling Court (about 500 feet away); The William Curry Warehouse (about 500 feet away); Schooner Western Union (about 600 feet away); Richard Kemp House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Also see . . .
1. Sponging Docks. (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.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
2. Sponging Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
