The Florida Keys: A History of the Pioneers

by John Viele

Today, on the Keys between Key West and the mainland, some 40,000 residents and thousands of visitors fish, swim, sail, and dive in the crystal clear waters off a tropical reef; relax in the sun and cooling trade wind breezes; and sleep in the air-conditioned comfort of their homes and hotel rooms. On these same islands, as short a time as 80 years ago, fewer than 300 inhabitants tried to eke out a living without benefit of electricity, running water, radios, or telephones. Tormented by clouds of voracious mosquitoes and no-see-ums, broiled by the tropical sun, they lived in thatched-roof homes regularly flattened by hurricane winds. Weeks would go by before some passing sailboat brought them news of the outside world or their relatives. The stories of these hardy pioneers and their predecessors, as far back as the Native Americans who lived on the Keys at least 1,000 years ago, are told, many for the first time, in this book. As vividly portrayed as if they were characters in a novel, these true-life inhabitants of the Florida Keys will capture your admiration as you share in the dreams and realities of their daily lives. Occupations included salvaging wrecks, growing sponges, planting pineapples, making charcoal, and skinning sharks. A History of the Pioneers includes fascinating accounts taken from old newspapers, letters, diaries, and government records, as well as interviews with old-time Keys natives.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical

154 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Emily Podpirka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about Lily Bow, a woman pioneer of Cudjoe Key. You could tell the writer cares a lot about Florida Keys history and especially Lily Bow’s story which I was very happy with. It was difficult to engage with a lot of things that i wasn’t very interested in, but I still learned some things about Keys history. this is a great skim read!

[Darla Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my textbooks for the semester. It was interesting reading on the history of the Florida Keys. If you are a history buff, this is for you. It has first hand account of stories of people who live there after the devastating hurricane of 1935.

[Minna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. I do not think I would have been a very successful pioneer. (Not anywhere, frankly, but ESPECIALLY not in the Florida Keys.)

It's unfortunate that the book featured little historical accounts from the indigenous peoples who inhabited the Keys, and no accounts whatsoever (that I noticed, anyways) from the black Bahamians who made up such a large percentage of the fluctuating Keys population. There was also relatively little historical accounts originating from Key West, which I suppose might be covered in one of the author's other books about Florida Keys history, but which seemed like a significant gap in this volume.

I think it's very important and frankly, very interesting, to learn about the history of the state I'm living in, so I'll likely continue to read the author's Keys history series, but I think I'll need to branch out to other resources if the author's source pool stays so shallow.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 1 of 3 providing excellent snapshot of Keys residents and history.

[Alia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

really interesting - great general background, well organized into historical periods, full of stories of specific individuals. i loved this book.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, comprehensive overview of the development of the Florida Keys. There was some confusing overlap at times, though.

[Carol Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading local history while visiting the place and picked up this hard copy at the Key Deer Sanctuary Headquarters on Big Pine Key. This was an easy, delightful read that educated me, had me searching for more info on each topic and wanting more. It has influenced my trip here and made we realize and appreciate the temporary and transient nature of the Keys. I loved it. Thanks John Viele.

[Sarah Coffey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just NOT a good read. I couldn't get through it - it's not dense, it's just not well organized and doesn't have a good flow that helps you consume the information and stay interested. Save yourself the time and avoid this one.

[Ann]

A quick, enjoyable read. Interesting facts and stories about the Keys and the determined folks who attempted to eke out a living on these tiny islands.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really glad to read this fascinating tapestry of so many determined but tragic men and women of The Keys.

[Amy Hoodock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise, wonderfully readable history of settlements in the Florida Keys. It specifically did not cover Key West except for mentions of when people on the other Keys trade or went there.

[Paul Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read! Really recommend to any Florida history buffs. Invaluable regional insights; now I want to visit all the Keys!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about the history of the Keys. One of three books he has written.

[R B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those early pioneers were tough. The skeeters would have run me off.

[Julia DeBarrioz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent historical account of the Keys!