|
Home >
Travel >
State Parks >
Florida >
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park |
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
|
|
Manager's Message
The park has reopened after a brief closure from Hurrican Dennis. Welcome to our
State Park! While walking historic Apalachicola stop in and share our local
history and the contibutions made by John Gorrie.
- Tony Tindell, Park Manager
Welcome to John Gorrie Museum State Park
A young physician named John Gorrie moved to Apalachicola in the early 1800s
when it was a prominent port of trade, commerce, and shipping in Florida. Gorrie
served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director.
Concern for his yellow fever patients motivated Gorrie to invent a method for
cooling their rooms. He became a pioneer in the field of air conditioning and
refrigeration by inventing a machine that made ice, and received the first U.S.
Patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851. A replica of his ice-making machine
is on display at the museum, as well as exhibits chronicling the colorful
history of Apalachicola, which played an important role in Florida's economic
development. Hours are 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m., Thursday
through Monday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Located on
Sixth Street in Apalachicola, off U.S. 98.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about John Gorrie Museum State Park, please call 850-653-9347.
Hours of Operation
The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Years Day.
Driving Directions
John Gorrie Museum State Park is located on 6th Street, one block east off U.S.
98 in Apalachicola.
Park Fees
Admission fee is $1.00 per person. Admission for children six and under is free.
John Gorrie Museum State Park
P.O. Box 267
Apalachicola, Florida 32329
Phone: 850-653-9347
Fax: Contact Park for Number |
|
|
|
