December 27th, 2013 by Piper Smith
During the 19th century, wrecking was a necessary activity in the Florida Keys to maintain a stable and healthy economy. The Keys extend from the southern end of the eastern American coast down to the Dry Tortugas. From the east of Cape Florida to the southwest of Key West, the Florida Reef’s line of shallow coral reefs runs parallel to the Keys. This dangerous string of reefs and shoals is about 200 miles long and lies near the Gulf Stream. So it’s no wonder the amount of wrecks in the 19th century occurred almost more than once a week! In fact, it was so common that licenses were issued by the American Federal Court to wrecking captains and wrecking vessels.
Picture caption: How would you like trying to navigate the hull of your ship across all of this!?!
