HOUSE OF REFUGE

Photo of the Smith's Creek House of Refuge courtesy of the Flagler Beach Historical Museum

This image is of Smith's Creek House of Refuge which was located at what is now Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach.

The Houses of Refuge in Florida were a series of stations operated by the United States Life Saving Service along the coast of Florida to rescue and shelter ship-wrecked sailors.

Some of the locations became United States Coast Guard Stations after the Life Saving Service was merged into the Coast Guard in 1915.

The only house left (there were 10 total) is Gilberts Bar House of Refuge Museum. It is on Hutchinson Island (east of Stuart, FL) and is operated by the Historical Society of Martin County.

Visit the Flagler Beach Historical Museum at 207 S Central Ave, Flagler Beach, Florida to learn more about the Smith's Creek House of Refuge. https://fbmflagler.wixsite.com/flagler