Walk Historic Islamorada App Launched

by Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, Florida Humanities Council

ISLAMORADA, FL – Residents and visitors can now take a stroll through a historic stretch of Islamorada and learn some amazing Florida Keys history via a narrated walking tour with accompanying historic images. Walk Historic Islamorada is available through a free app, Florida Stories, at FISstories.org, the Google Play Store or iStore.

Developed by Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation (FKHDF) in partnership with and funding provided by the Florida Humanities Council and the Division of State, Department of Cultural Affairs, Walk Historic Islamorada is a unique Upper Keys experience that can be taken in Islamorada or from the comfort of home.

“From the beginnings of the Overseas Highway to the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane that toppled Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, Walk Historic Islamorada tells a surprising array of stories that have impacted the local history,” said Brad Bertelli, Foundation curator, who selected the historic stops, wrote the narrative and compiled the accompanying photos.

The ten-stop tour launches from the iconic Green Turtle Inn. It is an approximately one-mile journey revealing stories of early pioneers, the most powerful hurricane to ever strike North America, the hurricane or Red Cross Houses built for survivors, the memorial built to honor the hundreds of victims, and one of the few bona fide pirate stories connected to the island chain. The tour ends at the Pioneer Cemetery located on the picturesque beach of the Cheeca Lodge, at one time the heart of this historic community.

“After taking the walking tour, head over to the Keys History & Discovery Center on the property of the Islander Resort, and learn much more about the vast and unique history of the Upper Keys,” Bertelli said. “Start with the first people of the Keys, learn tales from pirates and wreckers, see artifacts from the 1733 fleet, view a model of Indian Key, circa 1840, Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, and so much more.”

Florida Stories supports the creation of cultural, historical, and architectural walking tours for communities across the state of Florida. The Florida Stories app allows users to learn about the history of some of Florida’s most unique towns at their own pace and on their own schedule.

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