March 5
- Florida Keys History Center
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
1838 – In the case of the wrecked ship Bombay, the court at Key West placed a value of $50,000 on its cargo and awarded the wreckers who recovered it a salvage fee of 25%, or $12,500. The cargo was scheduled to be auctioned on March 20 to cover the award and any associated expenses.
1855 – The Northwest Channel Lighthouse was lit and began operation.
1902 – Florida Governor William S. Jennings appointed Eugene W. Russell Key West Tax Collector to replace George G. Watson who died on February 24.
1936 – Monroe County Commissioners made it clear that anglers were not allowed to park their automobiles on highway bridges as they fished. Under the policy, deputies would first give warnings, but second time violators would be arrested and tried in criminal court.
1941 – J.F. Fleitas, chair of the Selective Service Board for Monroe County, said that Keys men who had turned 21 since October 16, 1940, did not yet have to register for the draft, but the day might soon come for them to do so.
1961 – The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Key West officially organized as a congregation of the United Lutheran Church. The congregation had 70 adults and 46 children.
1964 – The Army Corps of Engineers awarded a contract of $1,987,209 to Bauer Dredging Company to deepen and enlarge Key West Harbor. The Corps also awarded a $1,431,685 contract to Acme Missiles and Construction Corporation to build a missile assembly building at the Nike-Hercules facility on Key Largo.
1974 – George Halas, star of the 1973 Key West High School football team, was named to the Prep All-America football team by Coach and Athlete Magazine.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 3424 North Roosevelt Blvd, 1960s. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
