Today in Keys History – May 25, 2024
1860 – The USS Crusader arrived at Key West with the captured slave ship Bogota. Bogota’s 411 Africans were turned over to U.S. Marshal Fernando J. Moreno, which brought the total number of African refugees rescued from illegal slave ships and landed at Key West over the month to 1,432.
1861 – In a special election to replace all the Key West officials elected under the old Florida state laws, a slate of Union supporters was chosen, led by Alexander Patterson as mayor.
1873 – A Savannah newspaper reported, “Dead cats and chickens adorn the streets of Key West in large quantities.”
1893 – The U.S. Marshal sold the wrecked brig Acadia as it lay on Bird Key in the Dry Tortugas. Key Wester Henry Williams paid a combined $345 for the hull, cargo and spars.
1967 – The Navy announced that Truman Beach was permanently closed because recent harbor dredging had carried away most of the sand, making the area dangerous.
1980 – Officials estimate that a total of 625 boats have been seized for bringing in Cuban refugees without visas and other boating violations.
1994 – The Key West High School Library was named for Mary B. Trevor, who spent 31 years as head librarian.
1994 – Checkers fast food restaurant opened on North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Fort Taylor in the 1950s. President Truman’s beach can be seen on the far side of the fort. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.