May 28

Fort Taylor and Key West, 1937.

1832 – The ship America, bound from New York to Apalachicola, successfully sailed through the Northwest Passage at Key West. The captain reported that, versus using the Tortugas Passage, the America saved 75 miles on its journey, and vessels drawing 12 feet of water could use this new route safely.

1900 – Alfred R. Monsalvatge died in Key West. He was a merchant and had served as Mayor of Key West from 1883 to 1885.

1926 – The War Department awarded a contract to the Over Sea Co. to construct a new causeway to Fort Taylor. The new land bridge was expected to give easier access to the old fort, making it more attractive to the many visitors to the island.

1936 – A group of scientists arrived at Key West on the steamer Cuba to conduct research for the summer at the Carnegie Laboratory on Loggerhead Key. From Key West, they would take the yacht Anton Dohrn to their Dry Tortugas destination.

1980 – The replica Spanish galleon used by Treasure Salvors as a museum and headquarters sank at the dock at the end of Front Street in Key West.

1987 – General Rafael del Pino Diaz, a top-ranking Cuban Air Force officer, defected from Cuba and landed with his family the Naval Air Station in a small private plane.

1994 – The San Carlos Institute held a special 80th birthday for Benildes Remond Sanchez, who spent 25 years at the Institute as teacher and principal.

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

Image: Fort Taylor and Key West, 1937. Photo by Aero-Graphic Corporation; gift of Jack Thompson. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.