Key West Shipwreck Museum
Shipwreck History
During the golden age of sail, over 100 ships per day passed by Key West. The waters they were sailing were well known as some of the most treacherous in the world. On average, at least one ship per week would wreck somewhere along the Florida Reef.
About the Observation Tower
The brave wreckers would watch the reef night and day from observation towers (some over 90′ high). They would also patrol the reef in their own small vessels. When a wreck was spotted, the cry of “Wreck Ashore” would echo all over the island as men scrambled to the docks to join the race to the reef. The first man to reach the wreck became the “wrecking master” who controlled the salvage operation and got a larger share of the prize. The goods salvaged from the wreck would later be sold at auction in Key West with the wrecking courts awarding anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the profit to the wreckers, depending on how dangerous and time-consuming the salvage operation had been.
End of the Wrecking Era
Eventually, with the onset of railroads, and improvements in navigational aids, shipwrecks came fewer and farther between. In 1921, the wrecking courts were closed, ending an era that had made Key West one of the richest cities in America. Today, you can relive the era of the wreckers at our historical
Meet in front of the Observation Tower
Each of our strolls this evening will begin in Mallory Square at The Shipwreck Museum
1 Whiteheaed Street
If you have purchased
Mallory Square Stroll
we will start our
Culinary adventure here
If you have purchased
Bahama Village Stroll
we will we will start our
Culinary adventure here,
and then board the
Old Town Trolley
"Neighborhood Strolls" Bahama Village
Culinary Culture of Key West
Bahama Village
4:00pm - 6:00pm
This stroll takes you into the colorful Caribbean historic district where Bahamians settled in the 19th century and Hemingway frequented for boxing matches and cock fights during his time in Key West.
You’ll board the Old Town Trolley after a glass of bubbly bound for a delicious journey through Key West’s most colorful and historic neighborhood.
You wil receive a complimentary
10th anniversary logo wine glass.
[Note all Strolls are subject to change in venues and pairings.]
Details
“Neighborhood Strolls”
Meet in front of the
Observation Tower
1 Whitehead Street
Bahama Village
4:00pm - 6:00pm
$115.00 per person
Bahama Village locations
"Neighborhood Strolls" Mallory Square
Culinary Culture of Key West
Mallory Square
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Thank you for joining us on the Mallory Square Stroll.
This stroll takes you to Key West's most most popular square. When your stroll is over head back to watch our famous SUNSET!
The Key West Sunset Celebration invites everyone to partake in watching the glowing pink and red sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico horizon. The nightly festival hosts visitors from all over the world who come to take part in the magicians, jugglers, clowns, psychics, local musicians, artists, and food vendors that combine for an incredible cultural experience. It is a fusion of friends and talents that has captivated tourists and locals alike.
This nightly party has everything any local or guest could ever hope to stumble upon. The beauty, sheer history, and pure passion of this event have been immortalized in renowned art, stories, poetry, and photography!
You wil receive a complimentary
10th anniversary logo wine glass.
[Note all Strolls are subject to change in venues and pairings.]
Details
“Neighborhood Strolls”
Meet in front of the
Observation Tower
1 Whitehead Street
Mallory Square
4:00pm - 6:00pm
$115.00 per person
Mallory Square locations
