Cedar Key Museum State Park History
Cedar Key was settled in the early 1840’s by Augustus Steel and was flourishing by 1861. With the completion of the Cross Florida Railroad constructed by Mr. David Yulee, the bustling port of Cedar Key was connected to the Florida east coast in Fernandina. The railroad carried lumber, turpentine, cotton, seafood products and passengers.
Salt was an important commodity in the 1800’s. During the War Between the States, salt was obtained for the Confederacy from the evaporation of sea water in kettles and boilers around Cedar Key. In 1862 a Federal force attacked by sea and captured the city. The forces destroyed the kettles and boilers hoping to further deprive the Confederates of much needed supplies. Museum exhibits include the fishing and lumber industry, the Civil War period and information on the history of Cedar Key.
Salt was an important commodity in the 1800’s. During the War Between the States, salt was obtained for the Confederacy from the evaporation of sea water in kettles and boilers around Cedar Key. In 1862 a Federal force attacked by sea and captured the city. The forces destroyed the kettles and boilers hoping to further deprive the Confederates of much needed supplies. Museum exhibits include the fishing and lumber industry, the Civil War period and information on the history of Cedar Key.
