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Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge: A Coastal Sentinel

Explore maritime history at the Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge, Florida's last remaining haven for shipwrecked sailors, offering stunning coastal views.

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The Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge, built in 1876, is the sole survivor of ten original houses of refuge along Florida's Atlantic coast. Serving as a haven for shipwrecked sailors, it's now a museum showcasing maritime history and the lives of those who braved the sea.

A brief summary to Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Elliott Museum or the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.
  • Take time to explore the rocky beach and scenic surroundings, even if you don't go inside the museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Stuart, head east on SE Ocean Blvd. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with SE MacArthur Blvd. Turn left onto SE MacArthur Blvd and continue for approximately 1 mile. Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge will be on your left at 301 SE MacArthur Blvd.

  • Public Transport

    Check the local bus schedule for Route 1 or Route 2 that services the area around Stuart. Board the bus at a nearby stop in downtown Stuart. Ask the driver to let you know when you reach the stop closest to SE MacArthur Blvd. Once you disembark, walk east along SE MacArthur Blvd for about 0.5 miles. Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge will be located at 301 SE MacArthur Blvd on your right. The cost for a single ride is approximately $1.75.

  • Parking

    Ample parking is available for visitors at the venue. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge

Perched on the rocky Anastasia Formation of Hutchinson Island, the Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge stands as a testament to Florida's maritime past. Constructed in 1876, it was one of ten houses of refuge commissioned by the U.S. Treasury Department to aid shipwrecked sailors along the state's desolate coastline. These houses provided essential shelter, food, and clothing to victims of shipwrecks, offering a lifeline in a time when sailing ships dominated world commerce. The House of Refuge played a critical role in rescuing and assisting shipwreck survivors. Keepers and their families maintained a constant watch, patrolling the beaches for those who had fallen victim to the treacherous reefs and shoals. The Gilbert's Bar location is named after the pirate Don Pedro Gilbert, who according to legend, lured ships onto the rocks. Over the years, the House of Refuge has evolved, serving as a U.S. Coast Guard station and a lookout for enemy submarines during World War I and World War II. Today, it stands as a museum, showcasing exhibits and photographs that depict the life-saving equipment used throughout its history and the keeper's quarters as they appeared circa 1904. Visitors can explore the historic structure, wander through the award-winning garden of native plants, and take in the beautiful views of the ocean and Indian River Lagoon. The museum also displays artifacts related to World War II, including a map of ships sunk by U-boats off the Florida coast. Just 100 yards offshore lies the wreckage of the Georges Valentine, an Italian brigantine, offering an ideal dive site for adventurous visitors.

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