A Little History Henry Geiger was one of the first settlers to live in the Keys outside of Key West. He became interested in land that was considered to part of an area the locals called "Boco Chico" although it was seperated from the main island by Pirate's Creek. In 1833, when he was just 37, Henry Geiger settled on 150 acres that became known as Geiger Key. By 1850, the value of his property was assessed at $1,500.00. First, Henry Geiger grew fruits and vegetables for sale in Key West. Then he started cutting wood for the stoves of the city. Finally, in 1860, he was tanning Key Deer hides, using tannic acid made from the bark of red mangroves. It is not known when Henry Gieger died, but his name disappeared from the census of 1870. Henry Geiger was one of the Keys first pioneers who made a success of taming and using the wilderness here. Geiger Key Marina & Smokehouse still offers an opportunity to enjoy the wilderness.