Local legend has it that the pirate Jean Laffite used this island west, south west of Cedar Key as a base camp in the early 1800's. The Islands high ground provided a natural stratigic advantage and it was also noted that an extremley tall tree was used as a kind of 'crows nest' or lookout for the Island, back in the day.
An unknow number of treasure chests are supposed to be buried on the island, this information coming from an excellent source and old maps.As an added bonus, Seahorse Key was also used during the Civil War by Confederate forces who set up a cannon battery on the island (three brass cannon are believed to still be there) all in all well worth a visit ! Both Treasure Dave and myself unanimously agree that we need to hit this one ASAP.If any one out there has already pulled of a beach assault.. let us know.
Beware - this is a wildlife refuge now - closed to the public from Feb through June. And the interior of the island is always closed to the public except on special holidays when the state allows invited/escorted guests to tour the lighthouse. Rumor has it that the interior of the island is loaded with rattlers and other venomous snakes. I don't know if it's true - the bird life and fishing are fabulous. So are the yellow biting flies...
ReplyDeleteCindy
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