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

Tea Table Key

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023

1. Tea Table Key Marker

Inscription. Like nearby Upper and Lower Matecumbe and Indian Keys, Tea Table Key was occupied by native Americans during prehistoric times. The early inhabitants settled here to take advantage of the abundance of maritime resources available in the area.

By 1840, the U.S. Navy had begun to use Tea Table Key as an operations center and hospital site. At the time of the attack on Indian Key, most of the naval contingent was away on patrol. An unsuccessful attempt was made to repel the Indians, by launching two barges, mounted with swivel guns, from Tea Table Key. The Indians fired at the barges using a six-pound cannon previously mounted on Indian Key by Jacob Houseman.

This is the only recorded instance of artillery being used by Indians against U.S. troops during any of the Indian Wars.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 24° 53.346′ N, 80° 40.651′ W. Marker is in Islamorada, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on Overseas Highway (U.S. US1 at milepost 79), 0.3 miles north of Davis Lane (Local Route 961), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Islamorada FL 33036, 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

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

markers are within walking distance of this marker: San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian Key Historic State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Triangle of History (within shouting distance of this marker); Juan Ponce de Leon (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rafters (about 500 feet away); Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1733 (about 500 feet away); Florida East Coast Railroad Oversea Extension (about 600 feet away); Indian Key (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Islamorada.

Also see . . . This private island in Florida was once a Navy fort, and now it's for sale. (Submitted on May 30, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023

2. Tea Table Key Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 570 times since then and 123 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.