Most people know it as the tiny island under the Seven Mile Bridge located in Marathon, Florida.

It was once known as Cayo Paloma (small island) on many old Spanish charts and later Pigeon Key.  It became a significant rest stop along the Overseas Highway historic route to Key West.

A place for for travelers to stretch, grab a snack relax on their journey to Key West.

It was once touted as the most beautiful rest stop in the United States.

Pigeon Key was the original work camp for the workers who built the Key West extension of the Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway.

By 1907 there were four dormitories for the construction workers.   The buildings were crowded with bunk beds for 64 workers each, while the conditions were horrific in the heat and humidity and no fresh water.

The Overseas Highway was once a toll road, automobiles paid $1.00 plus $0.25 per passenger.   Pigeon Key was the headquarters for the Florida Road and Toll Bridge District which maintained bridges from Jewfish Creek to Big Pine Key.

Along with 11 historic buildings,  a saltwater pool was installed in 1951 and still exists today.

The best way to see everything is a short train ride called The Pigeon Key Express which consists of a narrated history of the island and a walk about the grounds to learn about the buildings’ history.

There are four daily guided tours: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., while the 11:30 pm. and 1:00 p.m. tour include an exclusive feeding of the shark pool.

Bring your fishing rods and snorkeling gear to enjoy the waters off the dock and beach.