Few things are more highly valued on a hot humid day in August than air conditioning. One of Apalachicola’s most noteworthy citizens was none other than Dr. John Gorrie, inventor of the first machine to produced artificial ice. John Gorrie moved to Apalachicola in 1833 when it was the 3rd largest seaport on the Gulf of Mexico. An active citizen Gorrie served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director. He became a pioneer in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration by inventing a machine that made ice to cool the rooms of his patients with yellow fever patients. He received the first U.S. Patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851. A replica of his ice-making machine is on display at the museum, as well as exhibits chronicling the colorful history of Apalachicola, which played an important role in Florida's economic development. The original machine is at the Smithsonian Museum.

 According to local lore, Dr. Gorrie was challenged to produce ice to cool champagne for the local Bastille Day celebration hosted by the French Consulate office on Water Street.

 To honor Gorrie members of the Southern Ice Exchange each donated the proceeds from the sale of one ton of ice toward the monument starting on July 4th, 1897. On April 30th, 1900, a monument was dedicated and stands on Gorrie Square front of Trinity Episcopal Church. Dr. Gorrie is also buried on the southeast section of the square that bears his name.

The John Gorrie Museum is open from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Gorrie is buried across the street from the museum. Located on Sixth Street in Apalachicola, off U.S. 98 http://www.floridastateparks.org/johngorriemuseum/