1851 – Harvard University professor Louis Agassiz, who was visiting Key West to investigate “the various animal and vegetable productions of the Florida Reef,” began an excursion to explore the nature of the Everglades.
1858 – During the night, 12 enslaved Key Westers escaped from the island by stealing the Sand Key lighthouse boat. Despite a large reward for their capture, they eluded all pursuit. It was thought the group fled to the Bahamas to find freedom.
1862 – Two U.S. Navy mortar vessels arrived at Key West, the first of Commodore David Dixon Porter’s 30-vessel fleet ordered to rendezvous at the island. Nothing was known of the flotilla’s final destination.
1940 – Poet Robert Frost was staying at the Casa Marina Hotel while recuperating from a serious operation. He stayed three weeks.
1975 – The Oldest House on Duval Street officially opened as a museum. The house was restored by the Historic Key West Preservation Board and the Old Island Restoration Foundation, which would manage the new museum.
2003 – Three Cuban Border Guards escaped to the U.S. on their 30-foot patrol boat and landed at Key West. After their early-morning arrival at the island, the men walked down Duval Street, searching for someone to surrender to.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Oldest House, 322 Duval Street, in 1975. From the archives of Edwin O. Swift III. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.