(11-2006) Cedar Key Museum
  
Confederate Salt Kettle
 
Interpretive Sign: In the days before refrigeration, pork, beef and fish were packed in salt to prevent spoiling during shipment and storage. Salt was produced by boiling sea water in kettles like this. As the water boiled away, salt was left. This kettle is one of 60 that produced 150 bushels of salt a day at the Cedar Key Confederate salt works which were destroyed by a Union raiding party in October 1862

(11-2006) Cedar Key Museum
  
Sabal Palm
 
Interpretive Sign: Commonly called Cabbage Palm. Florida's state tree was of great importance to early Floridian's. The trunk was used by the Indians and pioneers for log houses. When cut into small blocks, it becomes a durable scrub brush. The leaves are still used today for the roofs of the Seminole Chickees and can be woven into hats and baskets. The heart, called swamp cabbage, can be eaten raw or cooked however, this kills the tree and should be discouraged

(11-2006) Cedar Key Museum
  
Southern Red Cedar
 
Interpretive Sign: This Evergreen commonly grows where limestone is near the surface. Its silvery blue berries and conical shape make it a popular tree for ornamental planting. The berries are eaten by many birds including the cedar waxwing, and bagworm cocoons are often found in its branches. The red heart wood is moth repellent and is used for closet lining and chests. The wood is also used for lead pencils. Is your pencil made of cedar?

(11-2006) Atsena Otie Key was used as a supply depot for Federal troops and a military hospital