Celestial Railroad - Jupiter
There is a rich history substantiating the Town of Jupiter as a favorite destination that dates back to the Celestial Railroad of the late 1880’s. The Celestial Railroad line was just 7.5 miles long. The railroad had once served as the last link for travelers to Lake Worth. After boating down the Indian River, they would take the train to the head of Lake Worth in Juno where they would once again board a boat for destinations further in South Florida. In 1893, the Celestial Railroad advertised a “Grand Tour” ride for $114.95!
The justification for naming the railway the Celestial Railroad was for the reason that the four stations were named Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Juno. The Jupiter station was located on the Jupiter Inlet, on the southernmost point of the Indian River and was the headquarters for the railroad. The Indian River was an energetic 150-mile saltwater lagoon with three natural inlets to the ocean. It bustled with freight ships, steamboat companies, rum runners, and wealthy dignitaries. The Celestial Railroad connected the small towns in the area. There was even a floating hotel!
Jupiter was as desirable in the late 1880’s as it is today! The wealthy flocked in private yachts to this area or came by steamer. Many who visited the area stayed at a quaint two-story hotel and saloon that overlooked the scenic Jupiter Inlet waterway. President Cleveland and other dignitaries were said to have visited at the very same hotel.
During the days of prohibition, the Jupiter Inlet location was used by prohibitionist rum runners for a drop off point of illegal alcohol. Today, The Square Grouper, a tiki bar located on the Jupiter Inlet, offers a drink named after those industrious prohibition rebels called the “Rum Runner”. The Square Grouper is one of the most popular al fresco, local watering holes on the waterfront, featuring live music establishments in Jupiter.
The stunning scenery has been the backdrop for many beautiful sunsets since the 1800’s. As much as things seem to change, they remain the same! Come enjoy paradise in Jupiter, Florida.
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