February 6, 2023 – (KEY WEST, FL). On Thursday, February 16, join author Dr. Brian Magrane as he considers the notable shipwreck of the SS GEORGE LAW as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series. His talk entitled, “SS George Law & Key West: Ship of Gold” takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street.
Gold fever was erupting across the United States in the mid-nineteenth century. The California Gold Rush had enticed hordes of miners hoping to strike it rich. During this boom, America’s economy quickly became reliant on the continuous flow of this new capital and the popular mode of transportation for the precious cargo was the steamship. The side-wheel steamer S.S. GEORGE LAW was built to move gold in continuous service on the Atlantic leg of the Panama Route. In 1856, yellow fever was raging in Havana and the ship was diverted to Key West—its one and only visit—for coal refueling. Not long after her Key West stop, he ship sank in a hurricane off the South Carolina coast. The ship was carrying over $2 million in California Gold.
“This illuminating talk discusses several historic milestone of the 1850s including the gold rush, but also more regional topics including Florida Keys wrecking, early lighthouses, the opening of the Panama Railroad and Key West as a coaling station,” says Cori Convertito, curator for the Society. “Magrane’s talk will drive home the geographic and practical value of Key West along the well-traveled Florida Straits.”
The presenter, Dr. Brian Magrane, is an Islamorada-based physician, author of “Tortugas Deep-Sea: The Story of a Merchant Ship,” and an avid shipwreck coin collector. He became fascinated in Florida’s sunken treasures and has been involved in maritime heritage projects and shipwreck treasure research.
To reserve your spot at the lecture; visit kwahs.org/upcoming-events – $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members. This program is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust. For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected]. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
###
IMAGE 1: The wreck of the SS George Law (renamed SS Central America), the California Gold Rush and Key West will be the subject for the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Distinguished Speakers Series talk, “SS GEORGE LAW and Key West: Ship of Gold” with author and physician Brian Magrane on February 16. (Photo Credit: National Maritime Museum UK)
