Hidden History of the Florida Keys

by Laura Albritton, Jerry Wilkinson

“Seldom-told tales of the ‘lively and unusual cast of historic figures’ who helped shape the Florida Keys from the 1820s through the 1960s.”—Keys News   The Florida Keys have witnessed all kinds of historical events, from the dramatic and the outrageous to the tragic and the comic. In the nineteenth century, uncompromising individuals fought duels and plotted political upsets. During the Civil War, a company of “Key West Avengers” escaped their Union-occupied city to join the Confederacy by sailing through the Bahamas. In the early twentieth century, black Bahamians founded a town of their own, while railway engineers went up against the U.S. Navy in a bid to complete the Overseas Railroad. When Prohibition came to the Keys, one defiant woman established a rum-running empire that dominated South Florida.    Join Laura Albritton and Jerry Wilkinson as they delve into tales of treasure hunters, developers, exotic dancers, determined preservationists and more, from the colorful history of these islands.Includes photos

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2018

Reviews

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some little known stories of the Florida Keys - history not well known or unheard of. The book covers the efforts of settlers and Conchs (then not native Floridians, but people from the Bahamas who settled in the Keys). The stories cover some of the Civil War, the "wreckers" (people who recovered wrecked ships for salvage money), the early history of treasure diving - cannons from wrecked ships were recovered for the iron and sold to make munitions initially - and the efforts of a small group to salvage the old houses and restore them before they were knocked down for new. Some remarkable stories of the people who migrated in and out of Key West.

[James McHenry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. My wife picked this book up for me while we were taking out first trip to the Keys the week after Thanksgiving 2021. We stayed in Marathon and had a wonderful time. I always become very interested in the history of the areas we visit and love to explore (my wife and daughter call it "intentionally getting lost", close to accurate) Anyway, the book was a wonderful and eclectic journey through the history of the Keys laced with wonderful characters and great stories and anecdotes. The style is very enjoyable as well, a narrative that avoids the dull history book cadence and has a whimsical undertone. I found it Similar to another favorite author of mine Bill Bryson (check out : One Summer America 1927 or A Walk in the woods)Big High Five to Laura Albritton @islandrunaways and Jerry Wilkinson. I will definitely be following both of them for more goodreads.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Florida Keys and have spent many vacations there over the last 20 years or so. I was therefore quite interested in this collection of "hidden" stories about the Keys, dating back to the 19th century and continuing up through the 1960's. I wasn't disappointed. This is a very enjoyable, sometimes fascinating book outlining the lives of many of the colorful characters who lived and worked in the Keys. Anyone with any interest in the Keys should enjoy this one, and even those who've never visited will most likely find a tale or two that captures their attention. A unique, fun collection of true-life adventures. Nicely done.

[Jon Huegli · Rating 4 out of 5]

insider Unique Perspectives

The authors' homegrown writing styles contribute to a folksy, insiders storytelling. While the book selectively addressed historical figures, events, and social movements, the reader felt as though he were listening in on a Conch conversation at a local establishment. As a past visitor to the Keys on a number of occasions, I was familiar with the locales and could visualize many of the events and actions described in the stories. Without that advantage, it would be difficult for a reader to remain engaged. Each new chapter, well titled, pulls the reader into yet another curious and unusual experience, howevdr.

[Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold On. Wait a Minute!

A Quick review of the history and the efforts made by local residents to preserve the physical history of that area of Florida called the keys. Ms Albritton and Mr Wilkerson have done an admirable job of recording the stories of the early settlers and the endeavors of newer residents to tell their stories. We Americans sometimes seem all too quick to throw the baby out with bath water when the bath water is often times more interesting and just as valuable as the baby. Good work. Good read

[Hal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short compilation of stories about some of the Keys. From the origins up to the mid sixties. Some of them familiar like the great hurricane of Labor Day 1935. But some intriguing, quirky type history that makes a good read.

[Liza Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book read in 2019

[John Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Recommend reading for anyone with any interest at all in Florida history.
Enjoyed this historical book very much. Would highly recommend.

[Meade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history to read while on the keys.

[Walter F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Florida Lore

Excellent short stories to start the book. Pre 20th Century vignettes were the best. Very focused on Key West, but enough history of Upper and Middle Keys to satisfy.

[William Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hidden History of the Florida Keys” is different and showcases a myriad of stories that run from the historical to the present. The story of the duel between the lovers of the same woman was interesting, the treasure hunters chapter explains an important part of the Florida Keys way of life and the last chapter about the historical preservation of Key West’s architecture is instrumental in the push for preservation of old historical buildings in the city. The one chapter I did not find interesting was the Civil War chapter regarding the Confederates vs. the Union control of the island. The chapter could’ve been written with more interest on the subject matter. Other than that, this is a great book on Key West’s hidden history.