1823 – The Colombian armed schooner La Centella arrived at Key West while on a cruise against Spain during Colombia’s war of liberation. La Centella had recently captured a Spanish brig and two schooners.
1862 – The Key West Herald newspaper, published by Henry D. Wharton of the 47th Pennsylvania’s Company C, began publication. The weekly paper lasted for only three issues.
1953 – The Lower Keys Property Association held a gala “Lights On!” celebration to hail the advent of electricity on Big Pine Key. Over 400 Keys residents came together at the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp on Doctor’s Arm for the event.
1984 – Ground was broken on a new, “Phase 1” addition for the Monroe County Jail Complex at Jackson Square in Key West.
1985 – The Secretary of the Navy announced that a new attack submarine being built at Newport News, Virginia, would be named “Key West.”
1994 – After seven months of legal wrangling, One World One Family Now began selling T-shirts and books along Duval and Whitehead streets. The group, which called itself “the eco-religion of the ‘90s,” asserted it had the right to set up shop on any public sidewalk.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Aerial view of Ed Barry’s airstrip and No Name Fish Camp on Doctor’s Arm on Big Pine Key, September 1952. Copyright Edwin O. Swift Jr. from the archives of Edwin O. Swift III. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.