Great Loop: Pidgeon Key

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Pidgeon Key

February 17th, 2022

Pigeon Key is a unique destination located in the middle of the Florida Keys.  It is a small island located under the Old 7 Mile Bridge just west of Marathon, Florida.   It’s history dates back to the early 1900’s when the island was used as a work-camp for the men who built the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. This was the railroad that linked Key West, an many other keys, to the mainland.  It was completely funded and build by Henry Flagler, who made his money with John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil.   


The Start of the Trail to the Island


The Pidgeon Key Landing if you arrive by boat


Another shot of the Pidgeon Key Landing



The Bridge Tender's House

Pidgeon Key hosts a collection of building associated with the construction and maintenance of the railroad.  In fact, you walk or bike, 2 miles, out to the island on the original rail road right of way.  In our case one direction was with the wind and the return was into the wind.


The buildings on Pidgeon Key




The Mess Hall is original from the original railroad construction camp.


Mike and Beth on Pidgeon Key


A feathered friend...


Mike is chasing Beth

Pidgeon Key hosts a collection of building associated with the construction and maintenance of the railroad.  In fact, you walk or bike, 2 miles, out to the island on the original rail road right of way.  In our case one direction was with the wind and the return was into the wind.

After our visit to Pidgeon Key, we had lunch at Sunset Grill in Marathon and then re-filled our propane tank, bought groceries, and took the bus back to Bahia Honda Key.




Beth riding back to Marathon

It was a full day.  We were ready for cocktail hour by the time we returned to the boat!

If you would like to read more about Flagler's rail road I recommend the following book:
Last Train to Paradise by Les Standisford
Location: Pigeon Key, Florida, USA

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