This image shows the old Seven Mile Bridge and the new Seven Mile Bridge as well as Pigeon Key. Photo submitted by Brad White
In the Florida Keys, there is no name more famous than the iconoclastic Henry Flagler who dreamed and built the world famous Overseas Railroad in the early 1900’s. Called the 8th wonder of the world, this amazing ribbon of steel and concrete forever changed the history of the Florida Keys and linked the mainland of Florida to Key West. Both before and after Flagler’s railroad was partially destroyed by the “Storm of the Century” in 1935, tens of millions of Keys visitors have traveled along the railroad’s route – by rail before the Labor Day hurricane or by road up to present times. There is arguably no more important spot along the 120 mile Overseas Highway than Pigeon Key – Flagler’s construction headquarters and the start of the most spectacular (and beautiful) section of all along the overseas route – the famous Seven Mile Bridge.
The Seven Mile Bridge, in order to speed up construction, was divided into four parts. The first three, Knights Key Bridge, Pigeon Key Bridge and Moser Channel bridge, consisted of steel-girder spans laid on top of concrete foundation piers. The piers were secured to bedrock which in some cases was 28 feet below the waterline. A 253 swinging span was inserted for passage of boats between the Atlantic and Gulf. The fourth section of the bridge was called the Pacet Channel Viaduct and it consisted of two hundred+ 53 foot concrete arches. Today the Old Seven Mile Bridge (the original Knights Key Bridge) to Pigeon Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the only authentic museum documenting construction of the Overseas Railroad. Between 1908-1912, as many as 400 workmen lived on the five acre Pigeon Key and this heritage is remarkably preserved as a special destination treat to all who traverse the 2.2 mile section of what locals now call the “Old Seven Mile Bridge”. Since 1982, when a new Seven Mile Bridge section was completed to accommodate modern traffic and taller ships, the section known as Old Seven Mile Bridge has served as a world famous fishing pier, jogging, and walking route, and of course the major path to Pigeon Key. In the last several years, tens of thousands of visitors were able to enjoy a ride on “Henry” – an authentic looking train designed to accentuate the visit to Pigeon Key. Currently, the tour train has not been used for several years.
The Seven Mile Bridge, in order to speed up construction, was divided into four parts. The first three, Knights Key Bridge, Pigeon Key Bridge and Moser Channel bridge, consisted of steel-girder spans laid on top of concrete foundation piers. The piers were secured to bedrock which in some cases was 28 feet below the waterline. A 253 swinging span was inserted for passage of boats between the Atlantic and Gulf. The fourth section of the bridge was called the Pacet Channel Viaduct and it consisted of two hundred+ 53 foot concrete arches. Today the Old Seven Mile Bridge (the original Knights Key Bridge) to Pigeon Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the only authentic museum documenting construction of the Overseas Railroad. Between 1908-1912, as many as 400 workmen lived on the five acre Pigeon Key and this heritage is remarkably preserved as a special destination treat to all who traverse the 2.2 mile section of what locals now call the “Old Seven Mile Bridge”. Since 1982, when a new Seven Mile Bridge section was completed to accommodate modern traffic and taller ships, the section known as Old Seven Mile Bridge has served as a world famous fishing pier, jogging, and walking route, and of course the major path to Pigeon Key. In the last several years, tens of thousands of visitors were able to enjoy a ride on “Henry” – an authentic looking train designed to accentuate the visit to Pigeon Key. Currently, the tour train has not been used for several years.
Friends of Old Seven Inc., is a volunteer grass roots organization and a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that has been established to serve as a credible and official entity that is responsible for expressing public input to the ongoing processes revolving around the planning and reconstruction of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Friends of Old Seven Inc. is working hard to establish a public/private partnership capable of planning for the eventual restoration and maintenance of the bridge, and then implementing said plans, in particular, the required funding. This joint effort involves Monroe County and its municipalities, the State of Florida (in particular FDOT and FDEP), businesses and public and private funding sources, as well as numerous local, national and international individual supporters.
Click on Image for more information. Pigeon Key Poster to Aid Restoration of Old Seven.
18” X 24 Poster Created by Beach Town artist, Aurelio Grisanty.
The Retro Art Deco travel poster celebrates Pigeon Key and The “Old Seven Bridge”.
All proceeds benefit the Old Seven Mile Bridge reconstruction.
The Retro Art Deco travel poster celebrates Pigeon Key and The “Old Seven Bridge”.
All proceeds benefit the Old Seven Mile Bridge reconstruction.
In the Florida Keys, an effort is underway to try to save a historic bridge from crumbling--and closing; CBS News Correspondent Peter King is in Marathon, Florida. All contents Copyright © Friends of Old Seven Inc.
Contents submitted by Brad White from Friends of Old Seven Inc.
Brad is the son of Lt. David White, Flight Instructor from the NAS Fort Lauderdale.
Brad is the son of Lt. David White, Flight Instructor from the NAS Fort Lauderdale.
