Things to do / Travel Guide
Although the history of South Florida essentially only goes back to the 19th century, there are several places of historic note in the region.
Historical Sites in the Florida Keys
Fort Jefferson - This huge fort is located in Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West, and is only accessible by boat or seaplane. The largest brick fort in the U.S., Fort Jefferson was constructed from 1845-1875, but never fully completed. It was designed to hold 1,500 troops and 450 cannons. The only war “action” this fort saw was when the Union army took it from the Confederates (Florida was part of the Confederacy) in the U.S. Civil War.
Fort Zachary Taylor - This modest brick fort is located in the southwest corner of Key West. Fort Zachary Taylor was built by the U.S. government in 1845 to help protect the port in Key West. The Union army maintained control of this fort throughout the Civil War.
Ernest Hemingway House - The world famous author was Key West's most famous resident celebrity. He lived in this home during all of the 1930s and wrote many of his novels here.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum - This unique museum in Key West tells the story of the most famous, modern treasure hunter, Mel Fisher. It also holds some eye-popping treasure that he recovered from different Spanish ships that sank in the area in the 17th century.
Historical Sites in Miami, Florida
The Barnacle - This is the oldest home in Dade County and it is located in the Coconut Grove section of Miami. It was built in 1891 and expanded in 1908. Here you will get a good idea what it was like to be a pioneering resident of Miami.
Historical Sites in Fort Lauderdale
Stranahan House - Built in 1901, this is the oldest house in Fort Lauderdale. This building also served as an early post office, bank, and store for the then-new community.
Historical Sites in Fort Myers
Thomas Edison Winter Estate - This was the actual long-time winter residence of the famous inventor, Thomas Edison. Located in Fort Myers, Edison built the estate in 1886. The estate consists of the house, a laboratory he worked in, and a botanical garden. This attraction alone is worth the drive over to the Fort Myers area.
Historical Sites in Key West, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Boca Raton and Southern Florida
Historical-Sites
|
|
|