Day 113
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2287
Apalachicola, before the development of the railroad, was the third busiest port in the Gulf of Mexico. Most all of its industries have centered around the use of the waterways. Initially, the shipping of cotton was the main industry. Early on there was also a large timber industry with cypress logs being dragged out of the swamps. Then the steamboat era came into play. After that, the fishing industry had its turn - with oysters, sponges, and shrimp. Still today oyster and shrimp fishing is a big part of Apalachicola's economy.
We walked around downtown Apalachicola despite the cool weather and periodic rain showers. Our first stop was the Apalachicola Maritime Museum. This was a nice little museum. The museum has restored a 1930's L. Francis Herreshoff designed 58 foot wooden ketch. Initially called "The Quark", after its restoration by the museum it was renamed "Heritage".
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| Dan aboard "Heritage" |
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| Angie at helm of "Heritage" |
We saw several Antebellum and Victorian style homes. One house, called the Orman house, has been preserved and turned into a museum. It was closed so we were not able to go into the museum home. Rumor has it that during the Civil War Sarah Orman, a proud Confederate, would simulate roof repairs whenever Union troops would arrive in town to alert the Confederate soldiers.
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| Orman House |
Downtown there are numerous shops and restaurants. You could spend days here and not see or eat in all of them. The town was decorated for Christmas with lighted palm trees and even a maritime Christmas tree.
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| Christmas tree |
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