1853 – U.S. Vice-President William R. King arrived at Key West on the steamer Fulton with hope of recuperating from illness in the island’s mild weather. King and his family stayed at the home of Senator Stephen Mallory.
1912 – Henry Flagler arrived on the first train from the mainland to Key West, officially opening the Overseas Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad. Mr. Flagler was welcomed to Key West by Mayor J.N. Fogarty, distinguished guests, and probably the largest crowd ever gathered in Key West. George W. Allen presented Mr. Flagler with two large silver medallions from the citizens of Key West.
1917 – Work commenced on a “white way” on Duval Street, between Front and Greene, where new gas-fueled streetlamps were to be installed.
1969 – An effort to beautify downtown Key West was turned over to a group of hippies, and they started by painting a dozen trash cans in psychedelic colors. Chamber of Commerce President William Gamble called the colorful designs “idiotic painting that looks like it has been done by some elementary school child.” He was afraid people would think the island was a “hippie haven.”
1976 – Supervisor of Elections William “Billy” Freeman announced that the ballot in the presidential preference primary would be in both Spanish and English. Monroe County became one of seven Florida counties to fall under the Voting Rights Act, passed by Congress in 1975.
2004 – Key West hired an official “chicken catcher” to try to control the island’s rapidly growing, free-ranging chicken population.
2005 – Former U.S. President Bill Clinton surprised Key Westers by taking a walk down Duval Street. He was visiting with his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton, who was on the island to speak and attend fundraisers. The two stayed at the Little White House.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Arrival of the first Florida East Coast Railway Train at Key West on January 22, 1912. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center