House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar - Stuart, Florida
N 27° 11.992 W 080° 09.953
17R E 582612 N 3008847
Come, explore and learn about the last remaining House of Refuge. Where shipwrecked men could find a warm bed, a hot meal and shelter from the storm when sailing ships dominated world commerce.
Waymark Code: WM7CYF
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 10/06/2009
Views: 20
The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is the last remaining shipwreck lifesaving station in the United States. It was constructed in 1876 on the St. Lucie rocks of the Anastasia Formation, one of the most prominent geologic outcroppings along the entire Eastern seaboard. It is the oldest structure on the Treasure Coast, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The House of Refuge was originally one of ten houses commissioned by the U.S. Lifesaving Service, designated as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along the sparsely populated Atlantic coastline of Florida. It played a critical role as a relief and lifesaving station in a time when sailing ships dominated world commerce. The historic structure has weathered many storms and provided needed shelter for shipwreck survivors, including those of the Georges Valentine, an Italian brigantine whose wreckage remains just 100 yards off the rocky shoreline, providing an ideal dive site.
The House of Refuge continues to withstand the test of time, while offering a fascinating look at a bygone lifestyle along the sea. The museum today has been restored to showcase historical lifesaving equipment and the Keeper’s living quarters as they were in 1904.
Information gathered from the Elliott Museum, Florida
Street address:
301 SE MacArthur Blvd.
Hutchinson Island
Stuart, Florida United States
34996
County / Borough / Parish: Martin County
Year listed: 1974
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event
Periods of significance: 1875-1899
Historic function: Domestic, Government
Current function: Education, Recreation and Culture.
Privately owned?: no
Hours of operation: From: 10:00 AM To: 4:00 AM
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.