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Today in Keys History – May 23, 2024
1828 – After six years of dispute with other claimants of the island, John W. Simonton was declared Key West’s legal owner. Simonton had...

Keys History Center
May 22, 20242 min read


Today in Keys History – February 9, 2024
1829 – A duel was fought between Charles E. Hawkins of the Mexican Navy and William Allison McRea, U.S. Attorney for the Southern...

Keys History Center
Feb 8, 20242 min read


Today in Keys History – December 7, 2023
1883 – E.G. Chesley wrote from Key West that pineapple farming was “rapidly extending throughout Monroe County.” He noted that 300 acres...

Keys History Center
Dec 6, 20232 min read


Today in Keys History – November 27, 2023
1863 – Two prisoners at Fort Jefferson attempted to escape from the Dry Tortugas on a floating plank. The water was rough, and they did...

Keys History Center
Nov 26, 20232 min read


Today in Keys History – October 8, 2023
1836 – Seminole warriors attacked the schooner Mary at Tavernier Key. Two of the five crewmen were shot, but all successfully escaped...

Keys History Center
Oct 7, 20232 min read


Today in Keys History – September 19, 2023
1816 – The Ship Rebecca , carrying wine from Cadiz to Savannah, was caught in a hurricane and wrecked on the Florida Reef. The crew...

Keys History Center
Sep 18, 20232 min read


Today in Keys History – July 2, 2023
Collecting Conch and sea urchins in the 1970s. 1842 – The barque Alasco , sailing from Havana to St. Petersburg, ran ashore at Conch...

Keys History Center
Jul 1, 20232 min read


Today in Keys History – May 23, 2023
The beach on the north side of the Army Barracks before Trumbo Point was built. 1900 – In a race on Key West’s Barracks Beach, a horse...

Keys History Center
May 22, 20232 min read
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