1960 – Betty Bruce proposed that a collection of pictures, maps, and books telling of the history of old Key West would be a worthy addition to the Monroe County Public Library, and she encouraged local persons to donate such materials “so that a real Key West historical corner could be established.”

1865 – Dr. Samuel Mudd, Edward Spangler, Michael O'Laughlen, and Samuel Arnold – all convicted as conspirators in the assassination of President Lincoln – arrived at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas to serve their prison terms. They joined 552 other prisoners being held there.

1961 – Key West marine salvager Chet Alexander recovered a large, coral-encrusted anchor from an old wooden shipwreck found between the Sand Key Lighthouse and the reef. Alexander suspected the vessel was caught in a hurricane when it went down.

1975 – The cruise ship Pacific Princess made its third visit to Key West in a month. Greeters presented hibiscus flowers to lady passengers as they disembarked, and tea towels from Key West Hand Print Fabrics were given to all passengers.

1952 – Dr. Remington Kellogg, director of the U.S. National Museum, issued a statement outlining the distinctiveness of the Key deer.

1938 – After two years of discussion and planning, the Key West City Council passed an ordinance providing for zoning within city limits.

1953 – The Key West City Commission approved a resolution that changed the name of Salt Pond Road to Jose Marti Drive.

In November 1831, a ship carrying 230 Irish laborers to New Orleans ran aground. The passengers rose up and caused havoc in Key West.

The first locomotive to reach Key West was actually in 1853 - after it was salvaged from a shipwreck.

The 1733 wreck of a Spanish treasure fleet off the Keys led to some of the first English-language newspaper reporting about the islands.