Today in Keys History – January 21
1862 – The Army appointed General John M. Brannan to command the Department of Key West and Tortugas.
1871 – Key West’s Cuban refugee community dedicated San Carlos Hall. The hall was a meeting place to discuss political matters, for education of the children, and for entertainment.
1880 – Former U.S. President and Army General Ulysses S. Grant visited Key West. A parade was held along Duval Street, and he was the guest of honor at a dinner at the Russell House Hotel.
1912 – Florida East Coast Railroad Engine 201 arrived in Key West at 2:45 a.m. The engine and crew crossed the Bahia Honda bridge and tested the tracks in the Lower Keys. The train was under the charge of Engineers J.F. Norton and Edward Goehring, Conductor Mike Scanlon, Pilot William Nichols and Fireman Jack Basskopp.
1925 – The Key West Citizen warned residents that “wiretappers, confidence men, oily-tongued get-rich-quickers, and other gentry of their ilk” were in town in large numbers to try to get their hands on some of the influx of money that came with winter season.
1954 – The City of Havana, the new auto ferry to Cuba, made its first run to Havana carrying passengers only. The ship was limited to passengers until its new dock on Stock Island was completed.
Information compiled by Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: General Grant in Florida. The Reception at Key West – Torch-light Procession in the Evening, January 21, 1880. From a Sketch by Frank H. Taylor. Published in Harper’s Weekly, February 21, 1880, p.117. Gift of Corey Malcom. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.