Bethel Creek House of Refuge 1876
Posted by: Markerman62
N 27° 39.966 W 080° 21.554
17R E 563195 N 3060379
Located in Jaycee Park on FL A1A.
Waymark Code: WMXDHG
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 12/30/2017
Views: 5
The 1st house of refuge on Florida's east coast was constructed on this site which later became part of the U.S. Lifesaving Service. Houses of Refuge were built about 20 miles apart and provided a safe haven for those shipwrecked along the desolate coast. They offered food and shelter to passengers and crew. Houses of Refuge were built exactly alike and included a main house, a cistern, and boat house. John Houston was the first keeper. Keepers had to be physically sound and able to read and write. In 1915, the Life Saving service became the U.S. Coast Guard. The house was destroyed by fire in January 1917 and replaced by a building that was removed in 1936. The Cost Guard closed the station in 1929. During World War II, the Coast Guard reopened the station and built a 40-foot observation tower to watch for submarines. This 8 acre site was transferred to the City of Vero Beach by the Federal Government in 1950 and the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycee's) began development of the park in 1956.
Marker Number: None
Date: January 28, 2013
County: Indian River
Marker Type: City
Sponsored or placed by: Florida Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Ann Waggaman, President 2011-13
Website: Not listed
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