Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Salt Production
-Circa 1830-
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 21, 2024
1. Salt Production Marker
Inscription.
Salt Production. -Circa 1830-. Necessary as a food preservative in the days before refrigeration, salt was a highly prized commodity. In 1830 Richard Fitzpatrick acquired 100 acres of wetlands and divided the area into large compartments, creating flat drying pans that were periodically flooded with the incoming tide. When the water evaporated, layers of sea salt could be scraped from the pan. Salt was produced this way in Key West until the industry ended with the loss of fifteen thousand bushels washed away by the 1876 hurricane., Key West Historic Marker , Free Audio Walking Tour Call: 305-507-0300
Necessary as a food preservative in the days before refrigeration, salt was a highly prized commodity. In 1830 Richard Fitzpatrick acquired 100 acres of wetlands and divided the area into large compartments, creating flat drying pans that were periodically flooded with the incoming tide. When the water evaporated, layers of sea salt could be scraped from the pan. Salt was produced this way in Key West until the industry ended with the loss of fifteen thousand bushels washed away by the 1876 hurricane.
Key West Historic Marker
Free Audio Walking Tour Call: 305-507-0300
Erected by Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 56.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 24° 33.368′ N, 81° 46.677′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Flagler Avenue and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east on Flagler Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2027 Flagler Ave, 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. Indian Block (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nyad (approx. half a mile away); Bruce Hall (approx.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, March 21, 2024
2. Salt Production Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 34 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
