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

The History of the Russell Cottage

Photographed by Mike McKeown, December 4, 2024

1. The History of the Russell Cottage Marker

Inscription. The 1,000-square-foot Russell Cottage was built of Dade County pine circa 1937. It is an example of a typical home of vernacular construction built in the wake of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. It was initially located near the Islamorada Post Office and was moved to this location by Eddie Sweeting. Sweeting, who worked in the construction business, added the cottage's wraparound porch after it was relocated.

(captions)
View of the Old Highway from the Florida Keys Memorial MM 81
Eddie Sweeting
Islamorada Post Office, MM 83

Erected by Florida Bay Forever.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 24° 54.648′ N, 80° 38.717′ W. Marker is in Islamorada, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) south of Parker Drive, on the right when traveling south. Near the parking lot of the Florida Bay Forever Eco Center and Nature Preserve. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81224 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada FL 33036, United States of America.

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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: 1935 Labor Day Hurricane (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Life In The Florida Keys (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Islamorada Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Green Turtle Inn (approx. ¼ mile away); Hurricane Houses (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Sweeting House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Helen Wadley Branch Library (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Florida Keys Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Islamorada.

Photographed by Mike McKeown, December 4, 2024

2. The History of the Russell Cottage Marker

Cottage in background

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.