August 2

Key West Marine Hospital, ca. 1865.

1815 – Juan Pablo Salas, a Spanish Royal Artillery Officer stationed in St. Augustine, was given a land grant for the island of Cayo Hueso (Key West) by Don Juan de Estrada, the Spanish governor of Florida.

1845 – The Marine Hospital opened in Key West for the treatment of merchant marine sailors. It could accommodate approximately 50 patients.

1906 – The Mexican Navy’s school ship Yucatan left for Cuba after four days in Key West, where they had been entertained by the mayor and citizens of the city.

1923 – Key West was deluged by 1.58 inches of rain that fell in 22 minutes, flooding streets and sidewalks.

1946 – Lt. Joseph Kemp of the Key West Police Department began a two-week a vacation; it was the first time he had taken any time off in his 20 years of service.

1966 – A meeting was held at Key West City Hall to organize the charter and by-laws for the new Mental Health Clinic of the Florida Keys. Earl Donaldson, director of the Florida Mental Health Association, oversaw the process.

1973 – The Navy announced that Reconnaissance Attack Wing One would move to Key West. The wing had five squadrons and 2,250 people. They flew the sophisticated RA-5C Vigilante attack bombers.

1984 – Bill Butler founder and “King” of the Key West Junkanoos, island entertainers since the 1950’s, died at age 71.

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Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.

Image: Key West Marine Hospital, ca. 1865. Scott DeWolfe Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.