The waters around Key West are home to a vast array of shipwrecks, some of which date back centuries, from the Spanish galleons of the 16th century to the modern-day vessels. The famous Isaac Allerton, a three-masted schooner, was a part of the fleet that carried the first Pilgrims to America in 1620. The Isaac Allerton was used as a cargo-carrying vessel and sank in 1856 in the shallow waters of the Keys. The wreck was found by a team of divers and is on display at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
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Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
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- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Step back in history 150 years
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Lift a genuine silver bar from a Spanish galleon
Trolley, Aquarium and Shipwreck Package
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- Hop On & Off at 13 Old Town Trolley Stops
- Key West Aquarium:
- Touch Tank hands-on experience
- Witness a wide variety of fish
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
Trolley, Truman White House & Shipwreck Package
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- Hop On & Off at 13 Old Town Trolley Stops
- Exciting, Fully Narrated Tour of Key West
- Truman Little White House:
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- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
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ABOUT US
Wreck Ashore!
WITH THESE WORDS...
Step into the world of 1856 Key West...
A realm dominated by the era of the wreckers. Embark on a maritime journey at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, where you’ll explore Key West’s nautical heritage and its rise as one of the United States’ most prosperous cities.
Immerse yourself in an experience that effortlessly blends actors, films and authentic artifacts recovered from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which met its fate in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef.
A Gripping History...
Step into the lives of those who shaped Key West’s early days as you uncover the gripping history of the wrecking industry that sustained the island’s pioneers. Climb the impressive 65-foot lookout tower for a sweeping view and, if necessary, alert the authorities about wrecks on the perilous reef!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Key West Museum Experience
Discover artifacts from the shipwrecked Isaac Allerton. Partially salvaged when she sank in 1856 and rediscovered in 1985, the Isaac Allerton was the richest shipwreck in Key West’s history.
WRECKER LIVES
Live the life of the wreckers as they fight storms to save lives and cargo on the treacherous reefs off the Florida Keys.
RECOVERIES
Listen to their tales of dangerous wrecks and daring recoveries.
BUSTLING KEY WEST
See Key West as a bustling, boisterous sea town on the frontier of a young America.
Key West Shipwreck History
During the golden age of sail, over 100 ships per day passed by Key West. The waters they were sailing were well known as some of the most treacherous in the world. On average, at least one ship per week would wreck somewhere along the Florida Reef.
About the Observation Tower
The brave wreckers would watch the reef night and day from observation towers (some over 90′ high). They would also patrol the reef in their own small vessels. When a wreck was spotted, the cry of “Wreck Ashore” would echo all over the island as men scrambled to the docks to join the race to the reef. The first man to reach the wreck became the “wrecking master” who controlled the salvage operation and got a larger share of the prize. The goods salvaged from the wreck would later be sold at auction in Key West with the wrecking courts awarding anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the profit to the wreckers, depending on how dangerous and time-consuming the salvage operation had been.
End of the Wrecking Era
Eventually, with the onset of railroads, and improvements in navigational aids, shipwrecks came fewer and farther between. In 1921, the wrecking courts were closed, ending an era that had made Key West one of the richest cities in America. Today, you can relive the era of the wreckers at our historical Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
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DISCOVER
The Isaac Allerton
The Isaac Allerton spent her years as a merchant ship carrying cargoes throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic Ocean. On the night of August 28, 1856, it was caught in a hurricane off Saddlebunch Keys, 15 miles ESE of Key West, and sank. Over 130 years later, it was rediscovered.
Journey Back
Designed to emulate the feel of a 19th-century wrecker’s warehouse filled with bounty and equipment, the exhibits of this interactive museum combine artifacts, actors and films to bring Key West’s colorful heritage to life.
REVIEWS
WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING
FAQs
The biggest shipwreck treasure ever found off of Key West is the Isaac Allerton, which was discovered in 1985. The shipwreck was found by a team of divers from the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, and it is believed to have been a merchant vessel that sank in the late 1800s. It is the only known shipwreck of its kind in the area because of its large number of gold and silver coins, as well as other artifacts. The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum has been able to preserve the shipwreck and its artifacts, and visitors can now explore the site and learn more about the history of the ship.
The answer lies in the geography of the area. Key West is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, making it a prime spot for ships to pass through. The shallow waters and strong currents make it difficult for ships to navigate, and the combination of these two factors has led to numerous shipwrecks over the years.
The story goes that a Spanish galleon, laden with gold and jewels, sank off the coast of Key West in the late 1700s. The treasure has never been found, and the exact location of the wreck remains a mystery. Theories abound as to what happened to the treasure, and many have attempted to locate it. Some believe that the ship was destroyed by a hurricane, while others think that the treasure was salvaged by pirates. Despite the many attempts to locate the treasure, it remains lost at sea.
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is located just a short distance from the harbor. It’s only a few blocks away, so you can easily walk there in just a few minutes.
The Key West museum is located on Whitehead Street, just a few blocks away from the heart of Duval Street.
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and treasures that have been lost in the waters around Key West. From the remains of a Spanish galleon to the remains of a 19th-century schooner, the Key West museum has something for everyone. You’ll also get to see some of the salvaged items from the wrecks and the museum’s collection of artifacts and treasures, including coins, jewelry, and other items that were salvaged from the wrecks, giving you a unique insight into the lives of those who sailed the seas. Visitors can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, watch a film about the history of Key West, and even take a tour of the museum’s replica shipwreck. With its vast collection of artifacts and treasures, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in maritime history.
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is a great place for kids to explore and learn about the history of the area. With its interactive exhibits, kids can get a hands-on experience of what it was like to be a sailor in the 1800s. The Key West museum also features a Captain’s Observatory, where kids can get a bird’s-eye view of the area and learn about the shipwrecks that have occurred in the area. With its kid-friendly atmosphere, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is a great place for families to explore and learn about the area’s history.
Wrecking was the practice of salvaging goods from ships that had been wrecked on the reefs surrounding the island. The reefs around Key West were treacherous and often caused ships to run aground. This made the island an ideal spot for wreckers to salvage goods from the ships. The goods were then sold to merchants in the area, providing a steady source of income for the wreckers. The practice was so profitable that it attracted many people to the island, and it was a major source of employment for the locals.
Wreckers were often seen as ruthless pirates, preying on unsuspecting ships and stealing their cargo. However, this was far from the truth. Wreckers were actually a vital part of the Key West economy, providing a much-needed service to the community.
The truth is that wreckers were highly skilled professionals who used their knowledge of the sea and the local environment to help ships in distress. They would often use their own boats to tow ships to safety, and they would also salvage any cargo that had been lost in the wreck. This was a dangerous job, but it was also an important one, as it helped to keep the local economy afloat.
With so many things to do with kids, it can be hard to decide where to start. One of the top attractions for families is the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. This museum is filled with interactive exhibits that teach kids about the history of shipwrecks in the area. Kids can explore the museum’s artifacts, watch a movie, and even take part in a treasure hunt.
Another great activity for kids is the Key West Aquarium. Here, kids can learn about the local marine life and even touch some of the creatures. They can also take part in educational programs and activities, such as feeding the fish and learning about the different species.
For a unique experience, families can visit the Sails to Rails Museum. This Key West museum is dedicated to the history of sailing and railroads in Key West. Kids can explore the exhibits and learn about the history of the area.
Finally, families can take a tour of Key West on the Old Town Trolley or the Conch Tour Train. These tours provide a great way to explore the city and learn about its history. Kids can also take part in fun activities, such as singing along to the tour guide’s songs.
Duval Street is lined with charming historic buildings, quirky shops, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching and photos. It offers plenty of shopping and sightseeing opportunities, with a variety of unique boutiques and souvenir shops, so you can find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
The street is home to some of the best restaurants in Key West, offering a variety of cuisines to suit any taste. A visit to Key West cannot be complete without sampling some of the island’s fresh seafood or classic Cuban dishes.
You can stroll through the charming streets of Old Town, take in the stunning architecture toward the iconic Mallory Square, and experience the sights and sounds of Duval Street for yourself.