Over 1,000 graceful palm trees swayed in the cool ocean breezes. She described this early bellwether of Cheeca as "different – rather comparable to the tropical estate of a gifted host." Clara's first guest was President Harry Truman, who cherished his time loafing around the pool and wondering amidst the resort's 22 quaint bungalows. Clara Mae Downey from Olney, Maryland, opened the Olney Inn in 1946. The early 1940's brought electricity and fresh water. Here is the fishing ground of the world, where strikes are as frequent as sunny days, and specimens that would be record catches in other parts of the world are tossed disdainfully overboard to grow up." Islamorada was on the map. A Miami Herald newspaper reported, "Small wonder that so many sportsmen are attracted to the Keys. They came to escape the colder climates of the East and to enjoy a sportsman's paradise. With legendary storytellers like Zane Grey and Ernest Hemingway painting an alluring landscape of romance and adventure in the Keys, it didn't take long for the country's richest to discover this picture perfect tropical island paradise. Henry Morrison Flagler built his Overseas Railway, linking the Keys to Miami and beyond. The link of civilization with Islamorada came in 1905. Here lies the first footprint of Islamorada – "Purple Isle" in Spanish. The Angel with the Broken Wing watches over the grave of Etta Pinder, who died in 1914. You can explore it today it is a designated historical site. Cheeca has preserved this Pioneer Cemetery, where members of the founding families of Islamorada are buried. Here, they formed a Methodist congregation and built a two-room school house and a cemetery. Hardy Keys pioneers called Conchs chose this very beach to carve out a tenacious living in the isolated beauty of the undiscovered Florida Keys. And of course, a saltwater pantry teeming with delicacies – fish, lobster, conch, shrimp and more. Endless sunny days and warm tropical nights. But the lure of this island paradise was the same then as it is today. Marauding Indians have invaded nearby Indian Key. Wreckers are salvaging sunken treasure ships off Alligator Reef. ![]() ![]() ![]() Imagine the Florida Keys in the late 1800's. A quiet wander down the sea-swept beach of Cheeca Lodge & Spa reveals the genesis of Islamorada. You've found it.the crown jewel of Islamorada Florida Keys hotels. The Legend of Our Grand Florida Keys Hotel Resort All these sites are precious symbols of the romantic history of Cheeca Lodge & Spa and Islamorada. The Most Famous Of Islamorada Florida Keys Hotels From tennis and golf, the lavish Spa at Cheeca, and fishing off the end of the 525-foot pier to snoozing in a hammock on the beach, how best to relax is entirely up to you. With one of most beautiful and secluded private beaches in Florida, Cheeca Lodge is an exhilarating tropical playground. Timeless Luxury And Extraordinary Amenities Come experience this lush oceanfront retreat, considered the premier luxury resort in the Florida Keys. Since 1946 the historic Cheeca Lodge & Spa has enchanted guests with world-class fishing, exceptional accommodations, and gracious hospitality.
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