July 15

A fisherman near Key West with a hooked tarpon jumping out of the water, 1930s.

1887 – The Marine Hospital reported 110 cases with 30 deaths in a yellow fever epidemic in Key West. By the time the fever ended in September there would be 282 cases with 63 deaths.

1901 – The Key West Post Office began delivering mail three times a day. The letter-carriers left the Post Office at 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.

1936 – Tarpon fishing was becoming increasingly popular in the Keys, and many were being caught around Key West. Two of the more notable catches during the past 10 days were both over 6 feet long, each weighing more than 100 pounds.

1939 – The Civilian Conservation Corp camp on West Summerland was established. The workers at the camp were tasked with beautifying the new highway.

1942 – The American merchant vessel Pennsylvania Sun was sunk 54 miles southwest of the Dry Tortugas by the German submarine U-571.

1964 – The Navy began work on the new Bachelor Officers Quarters (now Fly Navy Building) on the Trumbo Annex of the Naval Air Station.

1986 – Florida Governor Bob Graham visited Key West and announced a “Save the Florida Keys” initiative with up to $100 million brought in over the next few years to protect the area’s environmental resources through state acquisition and strategic community planning and business development.

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

Image: A fisherman near Key West with a hooked tarpon jumping out of the water, 1930s. Photo by Burgert Brothers. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.