Did you know?

Upper Matecumbe appears on some of the Spanish charts as "Matecumbe Nuevo", new or young Matecumbe. the spelling is variable, and the meaning obscure. The work may a Caloosa Indian name whose significance is now forgotten.

Hurricane Monument - MM81.5 by the Methodist church

The hurricane monument, near the center of the Key, marks the location of the mass burial of many who died in the Labor Day hurricane of 1935. Storm tides, dammed by embankments built by the railroad between the Keys, rose up and inundated everything. Rescure parties found 423 bodies, many of them veterans of the bonus Army from the camps at Windley and Lower Matecumbe. A train that had been sent to carry them to safety was blown off he tracks.

History of Diving Museum -MM 82.9

he Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs, and oral history relative to the History of Diving. We tell the international story of man's attempts to explore, understand and ventur under the sea. We also celebrate the special role that south Florida and the Florida Keys played in this untold story.

Indian Key Historic State Park - MM78.5

In 1836, Indian Key became the first county seat for Dade County. At that time, this tiny island was the site of a lucrative business-salvaging cargo from shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. Accessible only by canoe or kayak, visitors come here to swim, sunbathe, and hike. Fishing is also a popular activity. Boat and kayak rentals are available from Robbie's Marina at (305) 664-9814. Located on the oceanside of U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 78.5.

Ligumvitae Botanical State Park - MM78.5

The virgin tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on this island was once common on most of Florida's Upper Keys; most of these forests have been lost to development on other islands. In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought this tiny island and built a caretaker's home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. Today, his hideaway is the visitor center for this island forest. Ranger-guided tours are given twice daily, Thursday through Monday. The park is accessible only by private boat or tour boat. Tour boat services, as well as boat and kayak rentals, are available from Robbie's Marina. For tour reservations call (305) 664-9814. Located one mile west of U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 78.5.