Today in Keys History – January 13
1861 – During the night, U.S. Army Captain James M. Brannan, commanding Key West’s Barracks (at today’s Peary Court housing complex), marched his men to Fort Taylor and took charge of the stronghold. The action ensured that Key West would remain under Union control during the Civil War and provided the U.S. Navy with a secure base to blockade southern ports.
1909 – Thomas Reedy and party returned to Key West from a two weeks’ hunting expedition through the Keys. The group bagged six deer on Big Pine Key, plus a large quantity of small game.
1925 – The Key West City Council approved a motor bus service to be operated on the city’s streets by the Key West Electric Company. To test their viability, the buses would initially operate in lieu of streetcars for 90 days. If satisfactory to all, the bus system would then become permanent.
1958 – Former President Herbert Hoover arrived in the Keys for his mid-winter fishing trip.
1984 – The Monroe County Library branch in Marathon was named for former Monroe County Mayor George Dolezal.
1989 – President-elect George H.W. Bush arrived at Marathon airport to spend a few days fishing at Islamorada.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The Key West Electric Co. bus at the corner of Fleming and Margaret streets, ca. 1925. Gift Eddie Strunk. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.