Asa Tift

Asa Tift was the most notable salvager in Key West, Florida in the early 19th century. He owned a large salvaging operation, parts of which can still be seen as the Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum (where tourists are shown around by an actor portraying Asa Tift).

He was also responsible for the building of the Ernest Hemingway House in Key West.

During the Civil War, Asa and his brothers financed a ship to be built for the Confederates in Mobile, Alabama. After the North’s victory at Vicksburg, Nelson and Asa decided to blow up the ship rather than let it be captured by the Northern forces.

He was also the brother of Nelson Tift (founder of Albany, Georgia).