1862 – A correspondent for the New York Herald wrote, “Business at Key West is brisk, and money seems to be plenty. Since our arrival here we have seen more silver change hands than we did for four months North previous to our leaving home.”
1887 – Men boring an artesian well at Key West found roots, wood, and well-preserved tree leaves at a depth of 800 feet.
1895 – Cuban filibusters were encamped at Cudjoe, Howe and Big Pine Keys, waiting for an opportunity to travel to Cuba and aid insurgents in their fight against Spain. The U.S. revenue cutters Winona and Morril were sent to those keys to prevent their departure.
1900 – The people of Key West raised over $1,200 for victims of the Galveston hurricane. The disbanded cigarmaker’s union voted to give the $375.75 remaining in the treasure to the cause.
1923 – The Pierce Brothers Hardware Company was located at the corner of Fleming and Elizabeth Streets. They carried building materials, tools, sporting goods, bicycles and automobile accessories.
1989 – The 475-foot Yugoslav freighter Mavro Vetranic ran aground in the Dry Tortugas, the second ship to strand on the Florida Reef in five days. The Vetranic was carrying 14,300 tons of phosphate and 143,000 gallons of fuel, and there was great concern that if her cargo spilled there would be great environmental damage.
2018 – It was announced that Key West Police Capt. Sean Brandenburg would succeed retiring Police Chief Donie Lee when he stepped down in December.
Information compiled by the late Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The corner of Elizabeth and Fleming Streets where the tin cans were collected in a clean up campaign on March 20, 1927. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.