July 26

Wm. Curry & Sons Ice and Electric Plant destroyed by an explosion on July 26, 1902.

1860 – Fernando J. Moreno, the U.S. Marshal at Key West, submitted a report to the Secretary of the Interior about the Africans delivered to him by the U.S. Navy. He reported he had received a total of 1,432 Africans and that 294 had died and were buried in Key West. The remaining 1,138 Africans were shipped to Liberia, West Africa, by the American Colonization Society. When stopped by the Navy, the Africans were being shipped to Cuba to be sold into slavery in violation of international law.

1902 – The electric and ice plant of William Curry & Sons on Front Street was destroyed when three boilers exploded. Thomas Webb and William H. Saunders were killed when the building collapsed. Pieces of boiler were thrown 10 blocks away, and the city was plunged into darkness. Damage to the plant was estimated at $75,000.

1946 – In a dispute with Key West city commissioners, City Manager Dave King submitted his resignation after they ordered the reinstatement of Police Officer George Gutierrez, who had been earlier suspended for leaving his post without authority.

1957 – Someone entered the San Carlos Institute in Key West, destroyed a photo of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista, and then hung the red and black “July 26” flag of Cuban rebels from the second-floor balcony. Known local supporters of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary movement denied any involvement. 

1960 – The Navy announced that the military personnel and dependents in Key West totaled 15,725.

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

Image: Wm. Curry & Sons Ice and Electric Plant destroyed by an explosion on July 26, 1902. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.