1825 – The brig Lima, sailing from Havana to Philadelphia, wrecked on the reef off “the Saddle Hills.” It carried a cargo of silks, sugar, cigars, copper, snuff, tobacco, beeswax, paper, carriages, molasses, and crockery, most of which was damaged.
1853 – To celebrate the Fourth of July, the Sons of Temperance carried banners through the streets, accompanied by a band of one drum, one fife, one bass drum, and a tambourine. Flags flew from all the town’s cupolas, a salute of 31 guns was fired from the Army barracks. The Sand Key lighthouse crew also came to Key West to honor the day.
1863 – Multiple ice cream shops were open in Key West, all using a new device called “Masser’s Freezer.” One unimpressed writer noted, “The ice cream made is very inferior, and it would take a half dozen improvements to enable the people of Key West to manufacture a good article…”
1876 – The new Key West City Hall on Greene Street was dedicated by Mayor Carlos Manuel de Cespedes. The main address, a history of Key West, was given by former mayor Walter C. Maloney. Before he could finish speaking, though, a fire alarm sounded, and the crowd followed the firemen. Maloney’s speech was later expanded and printed as “A Sketch of the History of Key West, Florida.”
1957 – Congressman Dante Fascell dedicated the new million-dollar Key West International Airport. George Faraldo, veteran flier, was manager of the new facility.
1968 – Monroe General Hospital opened a two-bed completely staffed and equipped intensive care unit.
2014 – The annual Fourth of July fireworks at Key West’s White Street Pier were delayed until 10 p.m. because several boats positioned too close to the staging area had to be moved.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Dedication of Key West City Hall on July 4, 1876. From W.C. Maloney’s History of Key West, Florida. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.