Picturesque Cedar Key, on Florida's Gulf Coast, was a thriving port city and railroad connection during the 19th century. The museum contains exhibits that depict its colorful history during that era. Part of the collection has sea shells and Indian artifacts collected by Saint Clair Whitman, the founder of the first museum in Cedar Key. The museum also includes exhibits featuring

historic images and period artifacts on the history of the Cedar Keys area, including a Civil War exhibit. Two Civil War 24-pounder cannons, originally from Seahorse Key, and a Confederate salt kettle used for boiling sea water to produce salt are displayed on the museum grounds. Prior to its destruction during a Union raid in October 1862, the Cedar Keys saltworks had 60 kettles that could produce 150 bushels of salt per day. The state park also contains the relocated 1890s St. Clair Whitman House, which has been restored to reflect life in the 1920s.

A short nature trail gives visitors the opportunity to see wildlife and birds, as well as native vegetation. Small gray squirrels, doves, mockingbirds, blue jays, woodpeckers and green tree frogs can be seen on the museum grounds and along the walking trail.

www.floridastateparks.org/cedarkeymuseum

Information provided by Florida Department of State and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.