SAVING PLACE

Established in 1876, the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar served as a lifeline for shipwrecked sailors, providing food, shelter and care. RICK CRARY

House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar restored, preserving its coastal legacy

BY DONNA CRARY

Gilbert’s Bar was one of 10 Houses of Refuge along Florida’s east coast and is the only one that remains. RICK CRARY

Safely nestled behind a natural limestone fortress, protecting it from crashing waves below, the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar has long outlasted all other manmade structures in Martin County. As it celebrates its 150th anniversary, the historical building has been newly restored so the public can continue to experience the stunning beauty of its surroundings and its storied past.

The iconic landmark has witnessed a rich history during its lifetime. It was built to be a haven for shipwrecked sailors in distress, offering food and shelter so they could survive. Over time, it served as a U.S. Coast Guard station and, during World War II, a watchful outpost guarding against enemy fire offshore. Its coastline has also quietly welcomed generations of sea turtles, hatching and beginning their long journey into the Atlantic Ocean. For more than 70 years, the building has operated as a museum, preserving Florida’s maritime heritage. It has also been an ideal setting for romance, where lovers met, married and honeymooned by the sea.

It’s no wonder that it is a beloved landmark to so many Treasure Coast residents.