FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 25 May 2001

CONTACT: Tony Barrett, kelbar@loa.com, 207-833-0939
www.greenway.org
www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/index.html

Historic Maine Rock Arrives in Florida

Long-distance trail link between Key West and Calais, Maine to be celebrated on June 2nd

KEY WEST, Florida --- A heavy piece of Maine granite from the historic Red Beach quarry was welcomed last week by Key West mayor, Jimmy Weekley. Unlike the Maine 'snowbirds' who have left for the season, this gift from the City of Calais will be a permanent resident--the southernmost trailhead marker for the East Coast Greenway. Calais and Key West maintain a common heritage with the sea and historic passenger railroads. The Red Beach granite, which was used in the construction of the Maine Central railroad in Calais, is a symbolic link to the historic connection that the railroads provided.

Today, the distant cities are connected by US Route 1, and they are soon to be linked also by an ambitious bicycle-pedestrian trail: the East Coast Greenway. This network of municipal, county, state & federal multi-use paths is to provide a continuous route from Florida to Maine. Calais and Key West are not only gateways to the East Coast Greenway, but are also gateways to Canada and Cuba, respectively. Sustainable and heritage tourism is an important aspect of the future development of both cities.

The southern beginning segment of the East Coast Greenway or 'Gateway', is to be part of the Overseas Heritage Trail, a 106-mile corridor that follows the route of the abandoned Overseas railroad. The section in Key West will be officially designated on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 2nd,. The Gateways celebration in Key West will showcase the Overseas Heritage Trail and its connection with Calais, Maine where the northern Gateway is to simultaneously be dedicated via a link allowing participants in each city to communicate with each other.

To complete the symbolic connection, the City of Key West has sent north via AMTRAK, today's passenger railroad, a piece of Key Largo limestone, the same stone used in the construction of Flagler's Overseas railroad. This stone will serve as the Calais Gateway trailhead marker. Both trailhead markers are to be unveiled in a simultaneous ceremony that will begin at 10:30 AM (near White Street Pier in Key West and at the Visitor Information Center in Calais). Organized bike rides and walks will follow as well as a free raffle and giveaways demonstrating the connection between these two sister trail cities.

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Jimmy Weekley, Mayor of Key West (right) accepts the trailhead marker from Tony Barrett, Trustee of the East Coast Greenway Alliance.