The 1896 Hurricane and Its Impact

On September 29, 1896, Cedar Key was struck by a powerful hurricane and a 10-foot storm surge. The Eberhard Faber mill was destroyed, and the island was wrecked except for a few houses. The cedar forests that fed the mills on Atsena Otie Key had mostly been cut over, and the mill companies did not consider it worthwhile to rebuild. A business building and several houses that escaped destruction were floated across to Cedar Key, and lumber salvaged from the wreckage of the mills was used for construction on Cedar Key

20th Century Developments

Cedar Key Museum State Park

In 1920, the Cedar Key Museum State Park was established, showcasing the area's history through exhibits and photographs depicting life in Cedar Key from prehistoric times through the 20th century. The museum is housed in the restored St. Clair Whitman house, built in the 1880s, offering visitors a glimpse into life in Cedar Key during the early 20th century

Economic Shifts

The decline of the cedar industry led to a shift in Cedar Key's economy. The town began to focus more on tourism, fishing, and agriculture, with clam farming becoming a significant industry in the latter half of the 20th century. shutdown123