Islamorada in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Indian Key Historic State Park
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023
1. Indian Key Historic State Park Marker
Native Americans began occupying Indian Key by approximately A.D. 1000. It was visited by the Spanish during the 17th century, and a trading post had been established on the island by the early 19th century.
The island was acquired by Jacob Housman in 1831 and became a center for the wrecking industry. In its heyday, during the 1830's, Indian Key had houses, wharves, warehouses, a hotel, bowling alley, and post office. It was the temporary home of noted botanist Henry Perrine and was visited by naturalist J.J. Audubon.
The island was attacked and burned by "Spanish speaking Indians" on August 7, 1840. The attack, and the events surrounding it, formed a major episode in the Second Seminole War.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 24° 53.363′ N, 80° 40.629′ W. Marker is in Islamorada, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on Overseas Highway (U.S. 1 at milepost 79), 0.3 miles north of
this page online
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: Triangle of History (a few steps from this marker); San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve (within shouting distance of this marker); Tea Table Key (within shouting distance of this marker); Juan Ponce de Leon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rafters (about 300 feet away); Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1733 (about 300 feet away); Florida East Coast Railroad Oversea Extension (about 500 feet away); Indian Key (approx. 0.4 miles away).
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023
2. Indian Key Historic State Park Marker
Also see . . . Indian Key Historic State Park. (Submitted on May 30, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
