Unlocking the Mystery of Florida’s Coral Castle: A Monument to Lost Love
The Mysterious Origin Story of Florida’s Coral Castle
Edward Leedskalnin and the Tragic Love Story Behind Coral Castle
Building the Coral Castle: A Labor of Love and Mystery
The Unexplained Wonders of Florida’s Enigmatic Coral Castle
The Legacy of Edward Leedskalnin: Exploring the Secrets of Coral Castle
The Astonishing Secrets and Oddities of Florida’s Coral Castle
CARVED out of 1,100 tons of coral rock, this castle claims to have extraterrestrial origins but many see it as a labor of love. Located in Homestead, Florida, Edward Leedskalnin single-handedly built the castle in honor of Agnes Scuffs, his fiancee who left them just days before their wedding.
The two were engaged in Leedskalnin’s native Latvia but after Agnes left him, he traveled to Canada then California and Texas. However, he developed tuberculosis and needed to move to a warmer climate for his health, ending up in Florida. Leedskalnin built the castle as a testament to his love for Agnes, whom he called his Sweet Sixteen.
The Construction of Florida’s Coral Castle
Construction began in 1923 and it was completed in 1951. The castle was first built in Florida City but in 1936, Leedskalnin moved to Homestead and spent three years moving the structures 10 miles to their current location. It’s still unclear how Leedskalnin built the castle as he kept it a secret, doing much of the work at night.
The Enigmatic Legend of Coral Castle
At the time, people reported seeing the structures being moved on the highway but never saw Leedskalnin moving the coral. Over the years, there were several theories such as Leedskalnin getting help from aliens or learning how to levitate the rocks. The castle and its tragic love story served as the inspiration for Billy Idol’s Sweet Sixteen, an homage to the name Leedskalnin used for his beloved Agnes.
The Mysterious Demise of Edward Leedskalnin
Shortly after the castle’s completion, Leedskalnin, who never married or had children, became ill, according to the castle’s website. Leedskalnin placed a sign on the door saying he was “going to the hospital” but he would die three days later in his sleep at the age of 64. His nephew inherited the home and sold it to a family in Illinois.
Exploring the Enigmatic Coral Castle
During the sale, a box was found with a list of instructions that led to Leedskalnin’s life savings – $3,500. People can still tour the castle to view its oddities, including a sundial, a telescope, and functioning rocking chairs all made of stone.