Pigeonkey

Menu
Menu
Menu

THE HISTORY OF PIGEON KEY

You've probably heard of us as the
tiny island under the Old Seven Mile Bridge

But there’s so much more to our story.

Explore the rich Pigeon Key history and see how it has evolved over the years – check out the timeline below for a snapshot of the island’s fascinating past.

Pigeon Key was formed in 1992 after the island was designated as
A NATIONAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK.

And the rest is history!

Our mission is to preserve the cultural history of the Florida Keys through education and research. Since 1908, the island’s historic buildings have been carefully restored and repurposed as classrooms, bunkhouses, and a museum. Today, they not only tell the stories of those who lived here over a century ago, but also inspire the next generation through hands-on marine science programs. Walk into the original home of the Assistant Bridge Tender (now our on-island museum) that features artifacts, portraits and stories of the people who called this island home so long ago.

image 8 2

pigeon key history

1908

1908

Pigeon Key originally started as a railroad construction camp for the 7 mile bridge.
1912

1912

When Henry Flagler’s railroad was completed, the island was transformed into a bridge tender maintenance camp.
1915

1915

In WW1, a search light was installed on the Moser Channel Bridge.
1923

1923

The creation of a school led to more married personnel living on the island.
1935

1935

The Great Hurricane of 1935 destroyed large portions of the railroad in the Upper Keys. The island then served as the Southern base for rescue, relief, and evacuation operations.
1936

1936

The F.E.C sold the highway, along with Pigeon Key, back to the state. It was then converted into the Overseas Highway without any ferries.
1938

1938

The Overseas Highway opened and remained a toll road until 1954.
1943

1943

The Coast Guard placed barracks on Pigeon Key to house personnel patrolling the highway during WWII.
1954

1954

Tolls were removed and the “Toll District” was dissolved. The land was then transferred to Monroe County.
1960

1960

Hurricane Donna damaged 2 buildings on Pigeon Key so severely, they had to be burned down.
1982

1982

The new 7 mile bridge was dedicated and bypassed Pigeon Key entirely.
Today

Today

Pigeon Key now operates as a 501c3 and attracts visitors from all over the world as a marine research facility and historical tourist attraction.

OUR DAILY ISLAND TOURS TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME

TO THE HISTORIC HEART OF PIGEON KEY.

Explore this essential piece of American History with visitors of all ages. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds “the tiny island under the Old 7 Mile Bridge”.

Mask group 1