by John Viele (Author)
Gripping stories during the Age of Sail from the time of Spanish navigators of the 16th century to the end of the Second Seminole War in 1842. Many died in shipwrecks and attacks by natives and pirates as they attempted to navigate the 110-mile sea passage between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean south of the Florida Keys and the Florida Reef. It has been called one of the most dangerous passages in the world. There are accounts of castaway mariners, native divers, privateersmen, pirates, and smugglers.
Author Biography
John Viele is a retired naval officer and a former submarine commander now living on Cudjoe Key. A lifelong interest in history and a deep love for the Florida Keys led him to research and write Keys history stories for local newspapers and magazines. He is the author of the other two volumes in the Florida Keys series, A History of the Pioneers and The Wreckers, also published by Pineapple Press.