Find Hotels Near Sails To Rails Museum at Flagler Station Key West

The Sails To Rails Museum at Flagler Station in Key West is a unique and fascinating place to explore the history of how this region has changed over the centuries. It contains a wealth of artifacts and stories that illustrate the evolution of transportation on the island, from sailing ships to railroads. Visitors will gain insight into the development of Key West through interactive displays, interactive multimedia exhibits, original artworks, and lectures.

At the museum, visitors can learn about Henry Flagler’s groundbreaking Over-Sea Railroad project from 1912, which connected Key West to mainland Florida by a series of bridges over open water. The project was considered an engineering marvel for its time, and helped make Key West more accessible than ever before. Visitors can view maps that show the precise route taken by this railroad as it made its way across twenty-some miles of treacherous sea around the southern end of Florida. They can also explore how steam locomotives were used during this era, with models on display along with photographs and other memorabilia from these days.

In addition to learning about Flagler’s railroad project, guests can peruse thousands of historical artifacts that document two hundred years of transportation in Key West. These include old documents related to shipping companies that operated in this area during the 1800s; maps showing how roadways and waterways have evolved since then; photographs depicting key moments in local transportation history; shipwreck salvage items such as anchors and line markers dating back centuries; objects related to passenger service between Key West and other parts of Florida; rare memorabilia from railway lines serving Key West during its heyday as an important trading port; native tools brought here by immigrants who arrived by sail or steamer; and much more.

As part of their experience at Sails To Rails Museum, visitors can participate in special educational events like guided tours highlighting little-known points about local history or a special presentation about efforts to save historic buildings in Old Town from demolition after Hurricane Irma. There are even hands-on activities for younger guests like making their own “ship” out of recycled materials or becoming a flagman signaling trains along imaginary tracks using colorful magnets! Additionally, many people take advantage of Sails To Rails Museum's gift shop stocked with items inspired by local history such as vintage books on railways or postcards featuring classic scenes around town.

The Sails To Rails Museum at Flagler Station is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for anyone interested in learning about how transportation has shaped life on Key West over hundreds of years. From early ships piloted across open waters to iconic train engines hauling cargo along Florida’s southern coast—it’s all here waiting for you!