John Gorrie Museum State Park
Apalachicola, Florida
John Gorrie, inventor and physician, was raised in South Carolina and graduated from medical school in New York before moving to the flourishing cotton port of Apalachicola to practice medicine in 1833. He was a prominent citizen and civic leader during the pre-Civil War era in Apalachicola, serving at various times as postmaster, treasurer, and mayor, and was invested in the local lodging and banking industries.
With the yellow fever outbreak in Apalachicola in 1841, Dr. Gorrie discovered that cooling sickrooms with ice reduced his patients’ fevers. Because ice had to be imported from northern lakes, Dr. Gorrie turned his attention to developing a method for producing artificial ice. He received U.S. Patent #8080 for his invention of mechanical refrigeration in 1851.
The site of the John Gorrie Museum was donated to the State of Florida in 1955 and the one-story brick building was constructed in 1957. The museum houses items commemorating Dr. Gorrie’s life and work, including a replica of Dr. Gorrie’s ice machine, as well as a portrait of Dr. Gorrie and two antique refrigerators restored by the Friends.
Across from the museum is Dr. Gorrie’s third resting place, a tomb adorned with polished stone slabs. The John Gorrie Monument, erected in 1899 by the Southern Ice Exchange, sits on the northern corner of the square, one of the seven original public squares in Apalachicola’s 1836 town plan. The park occupies three corners of Gorrie Square, originally called City Square, at the intersection of Sixth Street and Avenue D. With assistance from the CSO in keeping with the Friends commitment to accessibility and inclusion, park staff arranged for the sidewalks connecting the museum, tomb, and monument to be upgraded to ADA accessibility.
Legislation passed by Congress in 1864 permits each state to have two statues of citizens renowned in that state’s history placed in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Donated by the State in 1914, one of Florida’s two statues is of Dr. John Gorrie. It honors his important contribution to the history of the State of Florida.
“There are not many museums in Apalachicola so if you are here, this should be on the list. You will reap rewards for the nominal entrance fee. Although described as a one room museum, the displays pack a lot of historical and social content into that room. The information about the origins of air conditioning were enlightening. We took time to remember Mr. Gorrie who helped make the Florida climate bearable for all of us. The park ranger was excellent, spending time answering our questions and fanning the flames of our interest. She also proved a wealth of information about the area. A great way to spend an hour and perhaps a bit.”
Ktbeenthere2015
October 2022
“More people should know the story of John Gorrie, a physician who invented the first mechanical refrigeration system to make ice to provide comfort to his patients suffering from Yellow Fever. You can learn the story in this small museum and see a 3/4 scale replica of his ice machine. It's worth the 30 minutes or so that the museum requires and the ranger who manages it is quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable.”
Matt M.
January 2021
“We were looking for something to do on a Sunday that didn’t involve the sun. We found this little place by accident. The sign said “Ice machine museum”. We had to stop. It’s $2 per person to get in. For that price you can see a working replica of John Gorrie’s ice machine and learn a little more about Apalachicola’s history. If you get a chance to see the ranger’s presentation, it’s worth your time. Great place for a history buff or budding inventor or someone looking to get out of the sun for a bit.”
Donald W.
June 2019
Activities
Ways we support and enhance the visitors’ experience
Examples of how Friends of Franklin County State Parks helps the John Gorrie Museum
- Gorrie portrait restoration
- Purchase of books and shirts for resale
- Paid for restoration of 2 antique refrigerators
- Framing of John Gorrie’s Last Will and Testament
- Assisted with John Gorrie Days special events including purchasing ice blocks for carving demonstrations
- Commemorative plaque for John Gorrie Florida Inventor’s Hall of Fame
