The Overseas Railroad was devastated. Sections of track, bridges, and entire communities were obliterated. The Florida East Coast Railway, already struggling financially, could not afford to rebuild. The dream of a railroad to Key West had come to an end.
However, the Bahia Honda Bridge was not destroyed. Its sturdy steel and concrete survived, and in the late 1930s, it was converted into part of the Overseas Highway—a roadway that would connect the Keys by automobile. Engineers added a paved deck on top of the existing trusses, creating a roadbed where trains had once run.
This repurposed bridge carried vehicles until the 1970s, when a new four-lane bridge was constructed parallel to the original. A section of the original bridge remains in Bahia Honda State Park today—its rusting steel trusses now an iconic backdrop, a dramatic reminder of Florida’s industrial history and the enduring power of human ambition.
Establishment of Bahia Honda State Park
Recognizing the natural beauty and historical importance of the area, the State of Florida acquired Bahia Honda Key in 1961, transforming it into Bahia Honda State Park. Since then, it has been managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, balancing public access with environmental protection.
The park today includes beaches, tropical hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, tidal lagoons, and historic relics. It stands not only as a recreational destination but as a testament to Florida’s evolving relationship with its unique landscapes—from exploitation and development to preservation and stewardship. shutdown123