Did you know the City of Apalachicola was home to the inventor of mechanical refrigeration?

Dr. John Gorrie moved to the bustling Gulf port city of Apalachicola in 1833. The young physician served the city as mayor, postmaster, city treasurer, council member, bank director and the founder of Trinity Church.

His most important contribution, however, came during an outbreak of yellow fever in the area. Concerned for the well-being of patients sick with the disease, Dr. Gorrie invented an ice-making machine to help cool their rooms.

The development of mechanical refrigeration by Dr. Gorrie paved the way for modern air conditioning and refrigeration. He received a U.S. patent for his discovery in 1851, but died four years later before realizing the impact of his invention.

The City of Apalachicola houses a state museum and park dedicated to Dr. Gorrie.

Reprinted from Quality Cities May/June 2005
Photo of Dr. Gorrie © 2005 Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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