This is the title of a book that I just finished reading. It is the history of how Henry Flager extended the FEC from Miami to Key West. It is a great read.
I am thinking of going to Miami and driving down to Key West. I would appreciate any tips about where I can see remnants of the rail line (roadbed, buildings, bridges, etc.) as well as general tips from anyone who had done likewise.
See the several references cited in this thread here started by Don Oltmann - who did just that - from about 1-1/2 years ago:
Florida East Coast Overseas Railway
http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/167110/1841536.aspx#1841536
Also, suggest that you search this Forum/ website for “FEC” and/ or “Flagler” using the “Search our Community” box / function - which is in the column immediately to the right - to find the several other threads here on this subject.
…Of course rt 1 is now on the new bridge, but the old one is just a short distance away and you will see it parallel to the one you are driving on.
Many years ago I drove that original bridge out to Key West from Miami…It is quite a drive out there. The old bridge was more narrow than the current one and in some places used railroad rails for guard rails. It was an interesting journey.
You can check on here for distance, seems to me it was about 170 mi. from Miami.
Trace the route on Google Earth to find historic, eating and motel places. They can vary wildly.
RIX
Sounds like a fun adventure!!
Sam 1
My wife and I made this trip to Key West from Chilliwack BC in March April 2010. It is, as others have suggested, a fun and historical journey. IIRC most of the sights along the Keys are mostly south of Key Largo and are primarily the poured concrete bridges which you will see adjacent to the Highway. A good place to stop is the Hurricane Memorial about half way down the Highway (around Marathon) on the east side. It’s a powerful reminder of the damage and loss of life that finally shut the RR down. Bahia Honda bridge is still a sight to behold although it’s literally rotting in place…signs warning boaters to watch out for falling steel are everywhere. You can get a good view of the north end of the bridge and the first highway superstructure on the top of the original RR bridge structure from a viewpoint located at Bahia Honda State Park. Just go into the day use area and follow the signs. It’s not a long walk to the viewpoint. As I recall much of the ROW is overbuilt now, there really is very little remaining. Much is probably overlaid by the highway ROW there are so few other places to build. Another interesting place is the construction camp at Pigeon Key. To get to this site (I believe it’s a National/State Historical Site and looks well preserved) you do have to take quite a walk along one of the old bridges (several miles one way IIRC). There is little if anything left of the original yards etc in KW. It has all been developed in the area back of the old harbour IIRC. There’s a lot of good tourist info available if you want to stop and pick it up…tourist bureaus and Chambers of Commerce everywhere along the Keys. Take your time on the Keys. there’s a lot to see.
It is a neat trip, enjoy it. We sure did.
Charlie
Chilliwack, BC
Thanks for your insights and suggestions.
Do it! It’s amazing, fascinating and scenic. You won’t regret it. And, Key West is fun, too.