Exploring Key West Turtles and Their Historic Cannery
The history of Key West turtles dates back to proto-historic native communities who depended on sea turtles for survival. In 1513, explorer Ponce de León noted the abundance of loggerhead turtles, naming the area “Tortugas”—Spanish for turtles. By the late 19th century, the turtle cannery emerged as a unique attraction, with local wranglers charging a 10-cent fee around 1890 to view the trade, possibly marking Key West’s first pay-to-see site. Vintage postcards captured this fascination, showcasing a century-long draw to these creatures. However, turtle fishing nearly eradicated local species by the early 1900s. Since the 1950s, conservation efforts have made strides—raising awareness, protecting habitats, and tagging turtles for research. In 2000, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum led an artifact recovery near the turtle kraals, unearthing thousands of objects and bones, enriching knowledge of Key West’s waterfront history. Visit the Turtle Cannery Museum at 200 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040.
