John Gorrie Museum State Park

In Apalachicola, this Florida state park centers on the John Gorrie State Museum and the life and work of Dr. John Gorrie, a pioneer in the development of air conditioning. Gorrie received the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851, and the museum connects his inventions to the town where he lived and worked. Its exhibits also explore Apalachicola’s own history, placing his achievements within their local setting. The site serves chiefly as a museum destination focused on invention, community history, and Gorrie’s legacy.

Apalachicola, Florida · United States