Cedar Key (https://cedarkeyhistory.org/cedar-key-history)
To do: To truly understand the resilient spirit of one of Florida’s oldest coastal communities, a visit to the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum is an essential first stop. Located at the intersection of 2nd Street and State Road 24, the museum is housed in two beautifully preserved structures: the 1871 Lutterloh Building and the Andrews House, a historic residence that famously survived the devastating 1896 hurricane. Inside, the town’s storied past comes to life through a rich collection of prehistoric artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, and vintage photographs. Visitors can trace Cedar Key’s transformation from a bustling 19th-century industrial hub—home to the state’s first cross-country railroad and a world-renowned cedar pencil industry—into the tranquil, artist-filled fishing village it is today.
Quick Fact: One of the most surprising facts about Cedar Key is its transformation from a "Pencil Capital" to a "Clam Capital."
While the town was famous in the 19th century for providing the cedar wood for the world's Eberhard Faber and Eagle pencils, it is now the top producer of farm-raised clams in Florida.