Former Apalachicola Sponge Exchange - Apalachicola Bay, Florida, USA.
N 29° 43.702 W 084° 59.083
16R E 694917 N 3290387
The former Sponge Exchange opened in 1831. Now home to a boutique. The historic Sponge Exchange is associated with the Coastal History of the Big Bend Scenic Highway, where the Apalachicola River was once King.
Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Waymark Code: WMXCDP
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 12/26/2017
Views: 3
The Forgotten Coast is home to a storied history of the sponge industry. In the late 1800s, a fleet of 16 ships called Apalachicola home, and seasoned sailors would strap on brass helmets and lead boots, to harvest the region’s most profitable crop.
"After being harvested, the sponges were taken to the Apalachicola Sponge Exchange, where buyers would inspect and then bid on the sponges. From there, the sponges traveled across America, all the way from San Francisco to New York City. The thriving industry came to a halt in 1939, when over-harvesting and red tide led to a complete ban, and it was not until 2007 that sponging was again allowed in Apalachicola.
The demand for sponges today is notably different; Apalachicola Bay sponges are a niche product, often shipped to spas or companies with a “green” focus that value the renewable aspect of natural sponges. And the local company has a deep respect for this deep sea treasure—they make an effort to help protect the reproduction of sponges by always leaving three inches (the length needed for the sponges to regenerate) and squeezing the reproductive spores of the sponges while underwater.
You’ll find history, seafood and maritime heritage on every corner.
Apalachicola offers maritime history and a still-working waterfront plus plenty of restaurants serving the freshest seafood on the coast, each in its unique way. Tour the award-winning historic district and shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques.
You’ll feel history when you breathe the salty air of Apalachicola Bay and walk the canopy-shaded sidewalks of Apalachicola’s distinguished Historic District replete with the regal homes of past sea captains, river pilots and sponge divers. Apalachicola's diverse and colorful past remains visible today as you stroll along the wide tree-lined streets where picturesque Victorian homes display the charm of years gone by. Once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola echoes with memories of an era once filled with steamboats and schooners, railroads and lumber mills. There are more than 900 historic homes, buildings and sites in the city’s Historic District. Apalachicola is considered a “distinctive destination” by the National Trust for His toric Preservation based on its unique character, charm and dedication to historic preservation.
Maritime Culture
Apalachicola’s maritime culture is best reflected along its working waterfront. There you’ll see bustling seafood houses, weather-worn shrimp boats and stately brick buildings that once served as 19th century chandleries, net factories and warehouses. Eclectic boutiques, galleries and restaurants are tucked into nooks and crannies throughout the historic downtown commercial district. The town features meticulously restored hotels and B&Bs as well as luxury waterfront accommodations. Looking for a treasure to take home? Spend time browsing through unique galleries, stores and antique shops."
Text Sources, Historic Photos, & Maps: (
visit link) ** (
visit link) ** (
visit link) ** (
visit link) **