An old photo taken over 10 years ago when driving through Apalachicola.
It was a flying visit as we were heading south. In those days dear other half still had his full-time job (retirement came the following year), and we were on a time schedule, needing to get back for work commitments. We were determined to see as much of the state as we could in the time that we had.
Apalachicola's name is a Native American
word interpreted as a ridge of earth produced by sweeping the ground in preparation for a council or peace fire.
It was fun looking around the shrimp boats docked on Water Street.
Oysters were Apalachicola's first seafood industry and were sold locally as far back as 1836, harvested in much the same way as they are today. From what I remember back then, it was a lovely town.
Here are 10 interesting facts.
Apalachicola is one of the most productive oyster beds in the United States, historically provided 90% of Florida's oysters and 10% of the nation's total.
Established in 1831, it was once the third-largest port on the Gulf, bringing wealth and a diverse population to the area.
Apalachicola is part of Florida's 'Forgotten Coast." It got its name "because it is the last remaining stretch of unspoiled, pristine Gulf Coast beaches that haven't been overrun by high rises and strip malls. There are 200 miles of coastline, 5 islands and nearly 100 historic sites, and it is a part of the Big Bend geographic region.”
The original plan of Apalachicola, with its wide streets and squares, was modeled after Philadelphia and remains largely intact today.
The city is home to the John Gorrie Museum, which features a scale model of the world's first ice-making machine, invented by Dr. John Gorrie.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the sponge trade was a major industry in Apalachicola, largely driven by Greek immigrants who introduced advanced deep-sea diving and boat-building skills, dramatically increasing sponge harvesting efficiency and creating an extremely lucrative fishery in the Gulf.
The Apalachicola River and Bay form one of the most ecologically rich and biodiverse ecosystems in the United States, supporting diverse marine life and providing critical habitat for many species.
The annual Florida Seafood Festival, held in Apalachicola, is the state's oldest seafood festival, celebrating the region's rich maritime culture.
The city maintains a working waterfront, with active fleets of oyster harvesters and shrimpers, reflecting its continuing connection to the seafood industry.
Apalachicola has many historical landmarks, including the 1838 Orman House Historic State Park and the historic Chestnut Street Cemetery, the city's oldest burial site.
Two maps showing location.
“Again in Florida
I float on transparent lakes
I float on the Okeechobee
I cross the hummock land
Or through pleasant openings
Or dense forests
I see the parrots in the woods
I see the papaw tree and
the blossoming titi.”
from Longings for Home
By
Thanks for stopping by and
have a great day!
