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What is the Coral Castle?

A.E. Jaquith
A.E. Jaquith

The Coral Castle is a North American landmark constructed by Edward Leedskalnin in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is constructed of formed and cut oolitic limestone pieces. Leedskalnin began construction of the Coral Castle in 1921 and it was finished in 1951. The site has long been an interesting tourist attraction, and remains quite a mystery. No one is sure exactly how Leedskalnin moved and formed the stone pieces because he weighed less than 100 lbs (45 kg).

The site consists of over 1,000 lbs (454 kg) of oolitic limestone. It sports many features; such as walls over 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, a two story tower, and numerous pieces of furniture, all made from oolitic limestone. What really interests many observers is that, although one man constructed Coral Castle, the rocks are held together by weight alone. They are worked with such precision that no light passes between the seems.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the construction of Coral Castle. Most of the rocks used to build the structure are gigantic and the largest is several times heavier than any of the stones used to build the Egyptian pyramids. One of the more famous features of Coral Castle is the structure's gate. The gate weighs over nine tons ( 8.2 metric tons), yet is mounted so well on its axis that it opens with the push of a single finger.

When asked how he built the castle without any help, Leedskalnin was very vague and cryptic. The answers he gave were varied, though he claimed that he simply understood the work at hand. At other times Leedskalnin said that he had uncovered the secrets of the pyramids. Others claimed that Leedskalnin had rediscovered a lost method of science to move the stones. A group of teenagers reported that they saw him float the stones into place, however no proof of this actually exists.

Leedskalnin was an eccentric and allegedly built Coral Castle for his true love, Agnes Scuffs, who left him one day before their wedding. After moving to America several years later, he began the construction of Rock Gate Park, later known as Coral Castle. During the castle's construction, Leedskalnin made his living by giving tours of his property and selling pamphlets.

Leedskalnin was also an amateur scientist. Although he had only received a fourth-grade education, he wrote numerous pamphlets on electricity, magnetism, and how the two interact with the human body. This only furthers the belief that Leedskalnin used abnormal methods to construct Coral Castle.

Discussion Comments

jonrss

I have heard that the coral castle was built using technology first designed by Nicola Tesla, the famous Russian scientist who invented the alternating current as well as a number of other more fantastical inventions.

I do not know a ton about the coal castle but it is hard to have not have heard about the mysterious circumstances surrounding its construction. Does anyone know anymore about the connection to Tesla?

truman12

I saw a documentary about the coral castle when I was a teenager and I have been fascinated by it ever since. Unfortunately, I have never been able to go. But I have a number of books about it and a poster that I have had on my wall for years.

I think there is something magical about it that naturally attracts people. How can you not respond to such a beautiful place and such an incredible story? Here's hoping that a serious effort is made to preserve it going into the future.

latte31

@Mutsy - You know that they also rent out the castle for special occasions which would be kind of fun for a party. They also offer psychic readings on the first Saturday of the month.

It sounds really interesting because the story behind the castle is so rich. They say that the coral rock that was used to build the castle came from Ed’s nearby home. I know that in central Miami, there is another historical castle called Vizcaya which is really beautiful too and it has a lot of coral rock like the Coral Castle does.

I have gone there many times and it is amazing. It was supposedly brought over from Europe. It is really incredible how these castles were built and are still preserved today.

mutsy

I am considering going to Coral Castle with my kids. I was reading that the Coral Castle was inducted into the National Registry of Historic locations in 1984.

I read that the creator used charge 10 cent admission in order to make money while he was alive.

The interesting thing about the Coral Castle is that Billy Idol even created a song called “Sweet Sixteen” which was supposed to be a form of tribute to the creator and the Coral Castle itself.

It is really sad that Ed, the creator never married and the reason that he built the castle was to get the attention of a woman named Agnes Scuffs, but she never went to the castle even though she was invited many times.

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