Last updated: October 10, 2024
Place
Bird Key Wreck
Quick Facts
Location:
Bird Key Bank
Significance:
Historic Shipwreck
Designation:
Submerged Cultural Resource
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
The Brick Wreck is one of many wreck sites within Dry Tortugas National Park. These islands, shoals, and reefs have been the scene of nearly 300 shipwrecks. The proximity of these reefs to the nearby shipping lanes of the Gulf of Mexico has made them a natural “ship trap.”
There is no specific information on the circumstances surrounding the wreck. All that is known is that the grounding and loss occurred sometime between 1857, the first date that the firebricks found on the wreck were manufactured, and 1861, the last date that the yellow construction bricks were produced for the Federal government. There were at least two types of brick found on the wreck. Unmarked yellow bricks matching those used in the construction of the major parts of Fort Jefferson were found, along with refractory bricks used to line the ship's firebox. The refractory bricks are dated and have "Evens, Howard St. Louis" markings, indicating that the ship could not have sunk before 1857.
Remains indicate that it was a screw-driven, narrow-beamed, shallow-draft, flat-bottom steamboat of composite construction. The vessel had a large, six-foot, four-bladed wrought iron propeller with flared blade tips. The ship was driven onto Bird Key Bank with the engine running, whether by accident or intentionally. The bow struck the bank and "accordioned," breaking the ship into two separate pieces. After settling onto the bank, the ship was salvaged, with removal of the engine and most of the ship's machinery. Further scattering of materials resulted from storms and hurricanes.
Today, marine life is in abundance around Bird Key wreck. The paddle-like propeller and other remains provide a habitat for lobster, coral, and reef fish. This site is best explored by snorkeling in the shallow, 4-6 feet deep waters on Bird Key Bank. The wreckage and its associated coral are fragile. All shipwrecks, artifacts, and coral are protected within the park, please do not take or touch!
There is no specific information on the circumstances surrounding the wreck. All that is known is that the grounding and loss occurred sometime between 1857, the first date that the firebricks found on the wreck were manufactured, and 1861, the last date that the yellow construction bricks were produced for the Federal government. There were at least two types of brick found on the wreck. Unmarked yellow bricks matching those used in the construction of the major parts of Fort Jefferson were found, along with refractory bricks used to line the ship's firebox. The refractory bricks are dated and have "Evens, Howard St. Louis" markings, indicating that the ship could not have sunk before 1857.
Remains indicate that it was a screw-driven, narrow-beamed, shallow-draft, flat-bottom steamboat of composite construction. The vessel had a large, six-foot, four-bladed wrought iron propeller with flared blade tips. The ship was driven onto Bird Key Bank with the engine running, whether by accident or intentionally. The bow struck the bank and "accordioned," breaking the ship into two separate pieces. After settling onto the bank, the ship was salvaged, with removal of the engine and most of the ship's machinery. Further scattering of materials resulted from storms and hurricanes.
Today, marine life is in abundance around Bird Key wreck. The paddle-like propeller and other remains provide a habitat for lobster, coral, and reef fish. This site is best explored by snorkeling in the shallow, 4-6 feet deep waters on Bird Key Bank. The wreckage and its associated coral are fragile. All shipwrecks, artifacts, and coral are protected within the park, please do not take or touch!