Long Key in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Long Key Fishing Club
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2013
1. Long Key Fishing Club Marker
Henry M. Flagler began construction of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad southward from Homestead in 1905. Despite destructive hurricanes in 1906, 1909, and 1910, the Key West Extension was completed in January 1912 at a cost of $49 million. With completion of Long Key Viaduct, the first bridge built on the line and the trademark of the East Coast Railroad, Flaglers East Coast Hotel Company established the Long Key Fishing Club in 1906. This “Garden of Eden” soon became the mecca for the worlds greatest saltwater anglers.
Zane Grey, writer and pioneer of Florida Keys fishing, was president of the exclusive Long Key Fishing Club which consisted of the Lodge, decorated with matchless displays of mounted Florida game fish, guest cottages and storehouses. The accommodations and service were of the highest quality. One of the principal aims of the Club was the cessation of wholesale destruction of game fish species. Because of his leadership and contributions to the development of Long Key, the crystal clear stream running in from the Atlantic to the boundaries of this park was named Zane Grey Creek.
On September 2, 1935, a hurricane swept the Florida Keys destroying the Long Key Fishing Club and ending operation of the Key West Extension.
Erected
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Florida East Coast Railroad and Hotels series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1912.
Location. 24° 48.248′ N, 80° 50.831′ W. Marker is in Long Key, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) 2.4 miles south of Long Key Lake Drive, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, south of the Long Key Townhouse Condo entry gate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 65700 Overseas Highway, Long Key FL 33001, 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 markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Historic Duck Key Bridges (approx. 4.7 miles away); Highway Piers (approx. 6.9 miles away); Road and Ferry (approx. 7.2 miles away); Site of Camp Three (approx. 7½ miles away); Tea Table Key (approx. 12.2 miles away); San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve (approx. 12.2 miles away); Indian Key Historic State Park (approx. 12.2 miles away); Triangle of History (approx. 12.2 miles away).
Regarding Long Key Fishing Club.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2013
2. Long Key Fishing Club Marker (reverse side)
This "camp", a luxurious fishing resort which attracted famous and wealthy sportsmen, was located on the Oceanside of Long Key and included thirty some small cottages, a post office and a railroad station, a store and a large several-story wooden hotel or lodge. The accommodations and service were of the highest quality. A tunnel constructed under the roadbed connected the camp with the docks on the bay side. The Club was frequented by politicians Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt, and such wealthy notables as Andrew Mellon and William Hearst.
Also see . . .
1. History of Long Key.
The Long Key Fishing Club was officially formed with Zane Grey as the first president from March 1917 to 1920. The stated purpose was, "To Develop the Best and Finest Traits of Sport, To Restrict the Killing of Fish, To Educate the Inexperienced Angler by Helping Him, And To Promote Good Fellowship." For example, the club membership in 1929 was 133, and included President Herbert Hoover as an honorable member. Henry Fisher of New York City was the president. The season was from December 14 to April 15. The club was discontinued in 1935 and later reorganized by Del Layton in 1969. (Submitted on April 5, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Novelist Zane Grey Promoted Fishing in the Florida Keys. Coastal
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2013
3. Long Key Fishing Club Marker (obverse wide view )
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2013
4. Long Key Fishing Club Marker (reverse wide view )
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, April 17, 2013
5. Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) - looking southwest from marker
The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is visible in the foreground.
Via Florida Keys News, unknown
6. Zane Grey
During his time in the Keys, novelist and outdoorsman Zane Grey arose early, wrote in the cool morning and then headed out to sea to fish.
Photo: AntiqueFishingReels.com
Photo: AntiqueFishingReels.com
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,320 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 5, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 6. submitted on May 19, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
