Bethel Creek House of Refuge

This House of refuge was built in 1876 by the United States Life-Saving Service. It was built for those who were shipwrecked along the coast of Florida during World War II. This was an active site from 1876-1936 until it was listed as inactive 1937. The station house no longer exists but now is memorialized by a Marker plaque at Jaycee Beach Park.

In March 1874, a contract was awarded to Alber Blaisdel, which permitted the building of the Bethel Creek House of Refuge. After the house was completed, Captain John Houston became the first keeper of the house of refuge on October 9, 1876. With the house complete and the first keeper appointed, this house of refuge could begin its sole purpose, to put forth live-saving services for those shipwrecked along the coast.

On September 11, 1878, sixteen miles north of Station No.1, the French brig Sevre was stranded. Thanks to those in this House of Refuge, nine of the ten persons on board were saved and kept until they were able to travel. This is only 1 of the many lives saved by Bethel Creek and its many keepers.

This House of Refuge was marked as inactive in 1937 and there is no longer a standing house. The history of this house is remembered with foundation blocks from the original building as well as an engraved stand that is used to remember all that this house contributed to the U.S. Lifesaving Service. This marker can be visited at Jaycee Beach Park from sunup to sundown.

This house of Refuge helped many as they traveled the harsh waters of the Florida Coast. As you walk this beautiful beach, take a minute to remember all the efforts that the keepers and staff of this house put in to keep our sailors safe in some of their scariest moments. Jaycee Beach Park is the now a popular remembrance spot for our vast history and will give you a sense of Florida Pride.

1. “House of Refuge.” Historical Society of Martin County, 8 Dec. 2021, https://hsmc-fl.com/house-of-refuge/.  
2. “Bethel Creek House of Refuge Historical Marker.” Historical Marker, 2 Jan. 2018, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=112157. 
3. Bethel Creek House of Refuge, Archive Center, Indian River County Main Library, Vero Beach, Florida. Microsoft Word - Bethel Creek House of Refuge (ircgov.com)
4. info@fusedog.com, Fusedog Media. “Houses of Refuge.” Palm Beach County History Online, 2009, http://www.pbchistoryonline.org/page/houses-of-refuge. 
5. Smith, Angela. Marker at Bethel Creek House of Refuge Site in Vero Beach Gives History Lesson, 2013, https://archive.tcpalm.com/news/marker-at-bethel-creek-house-of-refuge-site-in-vero-beach-gives-history-lesson-ep-380937082-342686902.html/.