1852 – The steamer Philadelphia arrived at Key West with many passengers sick with cholera. No one was allowed on the island, and instead the vessel was sent to Sand Key where the ill could get exercise and fresh air at the small, remote islet while under quarantine. Two hundred and fifty people were put ashore, and ultimately, 41 died there.
1935 – The Florida East Coast Railway announced it would offer a special Fourth of July fare of $2.50 for a round-trip to Miami, which would be good between the mornings of July 3 and 5.
1940 – Work began on the Garrison Bight yacht basin. The initial phase of the project would be the widening of the entrance from 25 to 75 feet and the deepening of the basin to 8 feet throughout. A series of docks would then be built for the accommodation of yachts, both short and long term.
1941 – A plant in Homestead was treating 200 50-foot sections of 18-inch iron pipe every day with a corrosion-proof coating prior to their use for the Florida Keys aqueduct even though contracts for their installation had not yet been awarded.
1966 – Marine Lance Corporal Leland “Skipper” Albury, from Key West, died from wounds he received in battle in Vietnam.
1980 – The Long Key Bridge was dedicated by Congressman Dante B. Fascell.
1989 – The Key West Chamber of Commerce crafted a notice to future spring breakers warning that Key West was expensive, sleeping in vehicles was prohibited, and no multiple booking of hotel rooms would be tolerated.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: Aerial view of Garrison Bight, Key West, ca. 1940. Scott De Wolfe Collection. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.