FOCAL POINT STYLING: salvaging

While putting together this series this week, I've learned about all the industries Key West has thrived on - some of which were: fishing, turtling, sponging, pineapples, cigars and pink gold: shrimp (from the GULF). One of the most surprising factoids I discovered was learning about how Key West was once the RICHEST city in the United States. How did they achieve such wealth & status? Back in 1828, Key West thrived on the salvaging of shipwrecks, which was known as the wrecking industry...

Photos above I captured at Mallory Square

and edited on picnik.com

"Long established trade routes came close to the Florida coast and the reefs just seven miles offshore of Key West. Stormy weather, or a captain's inexperience with this treacherous area, could easily cause ships with valuable cargoes to founder just off shore. As a result, wrecking and salvaging soon became the island's primary business and its citizenry became wealthy on the proceeds. Storehouses and chandeliers abounded, and people came from all over to bid on the valuable salvaged items. Between 1828 and the 1850s, Key West was considered the richest city, per capita, in the United States." (Learn more about the history of Key West here.)

Since Key West was designated as a U.S. port of entry and a customs house was established, salvaged cargoes could be entered at Key West instead of further up the coast at St. Augustine. This also allowed Key West to be a transshipment port for foreign cargo, particularly from Cuba.

Clinton Square Market at Mallory Square

More shots captured at Mallory Square

Although fishing is still a popular industry in Key West, today it thrives on tourism. A popular and historic destination tourist flock to in Key West is Mallory Square. Not only is it a cruise ship port, but Mallory Square is a special place to celebrate sunset. It also holds some lovely little shops like the Shell Warehouse, and a historeum called the Shipwreck Museum. This place enacts the story of what it was like to see a "Wreck ashore!!" (other than people doing the Duval crawl).

The Shell Warehouse at Mallory Square was a great little find because for our past three anniversaries, we've spent them on the Florida shores (Key Largo, Naples, and now - Key West). I've been collecting treasures of coral, starfish and shells from our trips. This shop - by far - has had not only great prices, but a wonderful selection - I may even turn the photos into coastal wall art...

SHELLSHOCKED?

Don't clam up now...

Collecting these shoreline beauties is a great way to have keepsakes from your Key West trip, and add seasonal coastal flare to your home. You can show them off in baskets, bowls or cylinders... or even design your own display by using them to create a wind chime or cover lamps or even a fireplace surround...