Ft. Jefferson/Dry Tortugas

[Laurie Verge]

Speaking of O'Laughlen's body, Dr. Houmes made excellent points during his conference presentation on just how much of Michael O'Laughlen was brought back for burial in Baltimore's Green Mount Cemetery in 1869. As in most warm waters along the East Coast, there was an abundance of crab populations in the waters around the Keys. As most of you know, crabs are the vultures of the deep and move swiftly to gorge themselves on available flesh. Most likely, Michael became a substantial meal once placed on a key that was below sea level.