Pigeon Key Historical Tour Henry Flagler RR Marathon Florida Keys (1 of 9 top things to do in Keys)

Описание: 1 OF 9 TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
The Pigeon Key historical tour out of Marathon is one of my favorite things to do in the Florida keys. Every time I have personal guests in town visiting, I either take them there personally or suggest they go there while they're here during their stay. I probably go on this tour at least 3 times a year and it never gets old or boring for me. There is so much rich history to learn about in the Keys, especially the story about the Henry Flagler Railroad which later became the Overseas Highway and is the most southernmost part of US1.
Although ravaged by Hurricane Irma in Sept. of 2017, the island is still beautiful as ever! It is currently still undergoing repairs almost 2 years later (April 2019). Watch to the end of the video to see some Pigeon Key before and after hurricane Irma photos.

This tour starts with a fun 20 minute boat ride out to the island which is only accessible by boat.
After arrival, you will meet up with a volunteer tour guide who will take you on about a 45 minute tour of the island. They usually start with information on the construction of the 7 mile bridge which actually passes through Pigeon Key (the old RR bridge) and about the man camp on the island that housed all the workers. Then he/she guides you around the island and talks about the past functions of the different old buildings and what they are used for today. They will also go into detail with a great back story of Henry Flagler and the overseas RR (including info on how he came into the money to fund the massive project). You end up at the museum where you will see interesting artifacts and pictures from the time of the construction (among many other interesting artifacts and informative details). Afterwards, you will usually have about 30-60 minutes before the next return ferry, to enjoy the island on your own and take pictures. You are also welcome to stay the day on the island to snorkel, picnic or whatever until the last ferry heads back (in this case, I would suggest makjng sure you are on the first ferry out).
The tour guides, like Eric, are volunteers because they are passionate about Florida Keys history (particularly about Pigeon Key and the Henry Flagler Railroad). They are very friendly and helpful and REALLY appreciate your tips!
The captain and first mate on the ferry are friendly and a lot of fun. Their pay is nominal so they also very much appreciate tips! You can tip them at the end of the tour as they are helping you get off of the ferry.
Be sure to call ahead to make sure they have availability. (305) 296-1552
Buy your ferry ticket at the Pigeon Key Visitor Center located at 2010 Overseas Highway
tours run daily at 10AM, 12PM, and 2PM and usually last an hour.
http://pigeonkey.net/we-are-open/


JUST A SMIDGEN ABOUT THE MAN BEHIND PIGEON…

In 1912 Henry Flagler arrived aboard the first train into Key West, marking the completion of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway's Over-Sea Railroad to Key West. With the completion of the Over-Sea Railroad the entire east coast of Florida, from Jacksonville to Key West, was linked by a single railroad system. The FEC was the product of Flagler's own personal resources and imagination. Flagler's construction of hotels at points along the railroad and his development of the agricultural industry through the Model Land Company established tourism and agriculture as Florida's major industries, which remain so even now more than a century later. In essence, Henry Flagler invented modern Florida. Although the Overseas Railroad into Key West may not have turned out to be the commercial success Mr. Flagler may have envisioned, it certainly paved the way!

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