Crawl Key (I)

Earlier name:

Gathering Key

Kraal Key

Scope Note:

 

An article in the "Key West Citizen" of March 19, 1926 states that this key was called Gathering Key and refers to buried treasure here. Kraal is a Danish word meaning gathering. On the oceanside of this key, one can still see the remains of a vast Indian midden. A field report written for the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey in 1935-36 states: "The name is well established and in general use. Authority I (Charles L. Pinder of Key West) gives the spelling as Kraal. Local information states that the name developed from the turtle crawls (storage pens) that were early established here. The name is recommended."

Geographic Location:

 

U.S. Highway 1 crosses key at approximately mile marker 56.5, between Grassy Key and Long Point Key.

References:

 

Charles Smith's 1873 survey map has a spelling of Kraal Key.

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Send your comments, suggestions, corrections to: Jim Clupper

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