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December 19
1985 – The 297-foot ocean freighter Eagle was sunk as an artificial reef in 100 feet of water off Islamorada. The project was sponsored by the Florida Keys Artificial Reef Association and the Keys Association of Dive Operators.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 18, 20252 min read


December 14
1888 – The construction contract for a new Key West Custom House on Front Street at Clinton Place was awarded. The structure would be completed at a cost of $107,955.96 and occupied in the later part of 1891.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 13, 20251 min read


November 19
1924 – The cornerstone of the new St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Center Street in Key West was laid by the Reverend Cameron Mann, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Florida.

Florida Keys History Center
Nov 18, 20252 min read


November 3
1935 – Wm R. Kenan, president of the Florida East Coast Railway, arrived in Key West to inspect the company’s railroad and hotel holdings on the island. He said there would be no determination about restoring the rail line until inspectors completed an assessment of damage caused by the Labor Day Hurricane.

Florida Keys History Center
Nov 2, 20252 min read


October 28
1975 – Treasure hunter Mel Fisher announced he had purchased Brito’s Boat Yard at 629 Front Street in Key West. He planned to recreate a “pirate village” from 300 years ago on the property, with his replica galleon alongside. There would also be an artifact preservation facility, gold and silversmith shops, and a cocktail lounge.

Florida Keys History Center
Oct 27, 20252 min read


July 4
1962 – The U.S. flag was raised over Mallory Square to mark the 140 years since Lt. Matthew C. Perry had first flown it over Key West in 1822. Two boy scouts from Key West’s Troop 258 raised the colors while the Fleet Sonar School band played and Navy and civilian dignitaries looked on.

Florida Keys History Center
Jul 3, 20252 min read


June 3
2015 – Members of the Douglass High School Class of 1965, the last to graduate from the segregated Key West school, gathered at the Marriott Beachside Resort for a 50th reunion. “It’s always a pleasure to be among people you’ve known for years and some you haven’t seen in years,” said an attendee.

Florida Keys History Center
Jun 2, 20252 min read


April 28
1982 – The last span of the new Seven Mile Bridge was put into place.

Florida Keys History Center
Apr 27, 20251 min read


March 16
1953 – The Arthur Sawyer Post 28, American Legion, asked the City of Key West for permission to buy the land where their clubhouse sat.

Florida Keys History Center
Mar 15, 20252 min read


February 3
1975 – Key West Police arrested the owner of Uncle Sam’s Pawn Shop and Howie’s Lounge.

Florida Keys History Center
Feb 2, 20252 min read


December 19
1862 - The Pennsylvania 47th regiment landed at Key West after having been in Hilton Head.

Florida Keys History Center
Dec 18, 20242 min read
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