1957 – Key Colony Beach became the second city in Monroe County when the community’s 11 qualified voters approved incorporation at a town hall meeting.

1925 – A freight train derailed at Marathon. A wrecking crew from Key West was dispatched immediately after receiving the news, but clearing the tracks delayed the arrival of the passenger train from morning to afternoon.

1958 – The Civil Aeronautics Administration agreed to relinquish any federal claim to the ownership of the Marathon Airport if title was obtained by Monroe County. County commissioners ordered the process to begin.

1935 – The Key West Tree Guild was organized, with Wallace B. Kirke as president. The guild’s mission was “to provide a medium through which tree lovers can work and help in developing shade trees on the island.”

1958 – Congress agreed that the old Navy Hospital and Commissary building at Tropical and United streets in Key West could be turned over to the Monroe County School District for use as its maintenance headquarters.

1980 – As the Mariel boatlift continued to grow, President Jimmy Carter ordered 400 U.S. Marines to Key West to take charge of Cuban refugee management.

1852 – The Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was lighted and began operation.

1954 – The Key West Chamber of Commerce opened an anti-noise campaign by sending letters to over 900 motorcycle and motor scooter owners.