Pigeon Key

Mike Lumpkin

The next stop for the merry band heading south (actually west at this point) was Pigeon Key.  This island in the midst of the old Seven Mile  Bridge was one of the camps for the workers constructing the railway from Miami to Key West.  The informative tour was arranged and conducted by Mike Lumpkin, Director of Pigeon Key Foundation.  The railroad, owned by Henry Flagler, cost over $30 million to build in the early 1900s, and when it ceased operation in the late 1930s due to severe damage to the bridges and tracks the total net income from all railroad operations was a mere $100,000.  The bridges used to operate Flagler's railroad were later converted for automobile traffic and remained in use until the 1980s.

Mike greets his visitors

A little introductory information about the island

In the 100 year old crew quarters which has survived many hurricanes

With the old bridge in the background Mike describes the construction process

A tropical setting

The purpose and use of each building is described

The old bridge - the center (blue) portion was for the railroad, the grey portion was added later for automobile traffic

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