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Big Pine Key History
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Welcome to the Big Pine Key 33043
Big Pine is somewhat unique in the Florida Keys. First it is oolitic limestone and not Key Largo Limestone. Because of this there is fresh water on the island, which is rarely found in Key Largo Limestone. The pine tree, from which it derives its name, is rare in the Middle and Upper Keys. It is the largest of the Lower Keys at about 5,800 acres. Small compared to Key Largo with 22,000 acres.Historically, some permanent settling caught on in the Middle and Upper Keys in the middle 1800s, but there was very few settlements on Big Pine. After World War II, there was an influx of people throughout the Florida Keys. Although there was plenty of space on the island, Big Pine but no public electricity or water. It is still one of the most sparsely developed islands in the Keys. One more oddity you will notice if you check a map, Big Pine runs almost perpendicular to the Overseas Highway. Most of the rest of the Keys have the highway running the length of the islands. This means if you want to see Big Pine Key you must get off the highway. Things to Do
Big Pine Key is a Nature Lovers paradise. Nearby Looe Key (no longer an island, it has slipped beneath the waves) is one of the most spectactular dive sites in North America. If you are interested in fishing the flats on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides offer mile after mile of opportunity for tarpon, bonefish, permit, sharks, barracuda and snapper. In the deeper waters of the Atlantic reef and Gulf wrecks you will find Dolphin, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Grouper, Mackerel, Sharks, Jacks and the delicious Cobia. For Eco-tours, the spectacular flora and fauna can be enjoyed kayaking, sailing and hiking. Big Pine Key is also home of the Key deer.
Big Pine Key 100 Years Ago Henry Flagler, during the Overseas Railroad construction phase, built a fresh water resource on Big Pine. It was not the typical deep well. It was two large open seepage ditches called “collecting ditches” with a pump and a 60,000 gallon storage tank (The tank was larger but leaked badly over 60,000 gallons). It was started in late 1906 and in use early 1907. It easily pumped 50,000 gallons a day. After the construction of the railroad was completed, the facility was abandoned.
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