Today in Keys History – July 20, 2023
- Keys History Center
- Jul 19, 2023
- 2 min read
1843 – The ship Gerard of Bath, loaded with tobacco, was found by wreckers abandoned and full of water near Indian Key. It appeared that the ship had burned after being struck by lightning and was scuttled to put the fire out. A note onboard indicated the crew had been rescued.
1853 – The second Sand Key Lighthouse was lighted. A writer at Key West marveled, “It is what is called a flash light. It is never wholly eclipsed, but exhibits different degrees of brilliancy. The flash, when its rays are the strongest, occurs every two minutes and continues for eight seconds; then the light is most powerful, perfectly dazzling; at this distance, nine miles, it casts a shadow.”
1888 – The Island City Guard was organized chiefly through the efforts of George Babcock.
1923 – Contractors Dongo and Johnson put an extra force of laborers to work on the construction of the new Monroe County High School on the corner of Seminary and White streets in Key West. The goal was to have the building ready for the upcoming school year.
1936 – About 70 baby sea turtles swimming in the center pool were the newest specimens on display at the Key West Aquarium. The hatchlings had been collected as they emerged from their Marquesas Keys nest by Joe Knowles, who brought them to the facility.
1953 – A tentative “Master Plan” for Key West was unveiled at the City Commission meeting.
1967 – Vice President Hubert Humphrey dedicated the Westinghouse desalting plant on Stock Island before a crowd of 500.
1975 – Treasure Salvors tugboat Northwind sank, drowning diver Rick Gage, and Dirk and Angel Fisher. They were searching for the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.
1985 – Mel Fisher, after searching for more than 15 years, found the mother lode of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: A drawing of Sand Key Lighthouse that appeared in Gleason’s Magazine of 1853. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.