Highlights from History

  The First Florida Coast-to-Coast Railroad, also called the Florida Railroad, was a significant landmark in Florida's transportation history. Cedar Key was chosen as the railroad's western terminus because it was a crucial port city at that time and provided easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The first train arrived in Cedar Key on March 1, 1861, marking a new era. Cedar Key served as a central hub for shipping and transportation, connecting various parts of Florida to the rest of the world. The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods, people, and equipment to and from the Cedar Key port, making it a significant center of economic activity. The railroad's construction faced several challenges, such as the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, but the determined laborers overcame these hurdles and completed the project within four years. The railroad was instrumental in the growth and development of the state, contributing significantly to the economic and social progress of the region. However, the railroad's glory days were short-lived due to several factors, such as the decline of Cedar Key's shipping industry, the economic depression, and the great hurricane of 1926, which caused extensive damage to the railroad's infrastructure. These factors, coupled with the emergence of newer and more efficient transportation systems, led to a decline in the railroad's popularity, causing it to cease running in 1932. In conclusion, the First Florida Coast-to-Coast Railroad played a pivotal role in the development of the state of Florida. Despite its eventual downfall, the railroad remains a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who built it, and it has served as a foundation for modern-day infrastructure that connects different parts of the state.