The Key West Cemetery, nestled in the heart of Old Town, is anything but your typical burial ground. It’s a place where history, culture, and the quirkiness of Key West converge. In this article, we’ll take a stroll through this intriguing cemetery, uncovering its fascinating stories and unique characteristics.
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This cemetery isn’t just a place for burials; it’s a repository of captivating stories and intriguing individuals who have found their eternal rest in this extraordinary location. Let’s dive into some of the stories about the remarkable individuals laid to rest here, as revealed by local legends and historical accounts.
Established in 1847, the Key West Cemetery stands as a testament to the rich history of the island. It serves as the final resting place for generations of Key Westers, including notable figures and ordinary citizens who have significantly shaped the island’s history. In essence, the cemetery itself is a historical treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Guided Tours of Key West Cemetery
You can grab a guided tour of Key West Cemetery to get the full stories behind the headstones. Knowledgeable guides will lead you to significant gravesites (many can be difficult to find) and regale you with captivating stories about the people buried there. Tours are offered only during the winter season.
Self-Guided Walkthrough Key West Cemetery
At the main entrance of the cemetery, you’ll find the Sexton’s office. There you will find a map of the cemetery for your self-guided walk.
walk through Key West cemetery with us
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Key West Tales of the Departed
Walking through the cemetery, you’ll come across intriguing stories of those interred here. Some gravestones tell tales of shipwrecks and maritime adventures, while others recount the lives of artists, writers, and pioneers who made Key West their home. All unique stories and characters add to the rich tapestry of the Key West’s history and vibrant culture.
Carlos Recio (1849-1910)
A Cuban patriot and wholesale grocer, Carlos Recio played a vital role in raising funds locally for the Revolution organized by Jose Marti. You’ll find his family name on the gate, along with the medallion of the Cincinnati Iron Fence Co.
William Curry (1824-1896)
Arriving in 1847 from Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas, William Curry amassed his fortune through various mercantile activities, becoming Florida’s first millionaire. Explore other impressive Curry family monuments nearby.
Walter C. Maloney (1813-1884)
A staunch Union supporter whose son fought for the Confederacy, Walter Maloney delivered the dedication speech for the 1876 City Hall, which was subsequently published as Key West’s first history book, “A Sketch of Key West, Florida.” He also served as mayor of Key West, and his great-great-grandson salvaged the stone marking his grave from the wreck of the Isaac Allerton.
Harvey Family Plot
C.B. Harvey (1908-1988) served as mayor of Key West. Wilhelmina Harvey (1912-2005) made history as the first woman juror in Key West and was elected to the School Board and the County Commission. Note her facetious title, “Admiral, Conch Republic Navy.“
“Sloppy” Joe Russell (1889-1941)
Key West’s most renowned barkeep, friend, and fishing guide to Ernest Hemingway during his Key West years. You can still visit the “his” bar on Duvall Street or the original location which is now Captain Tony’s. It is home to the annual Hemingway Look-A-Like Contest.
William H. Malone (1876-1944)
As mayor of Key West during the Depression, he played a crucial role in beautifying the city to make it more attractive for tourism. His epitaph humorously reads, “He died as he lived – a Christian.”
Jefferson Beale Browne (1857-1937)
The unmarked vault at this resting place belongs to Jefferson Beale Browne, the son of Joseph Beverly Browne. Browne read law while serving as a lighthouse keeper at Fowey Rocks light, later having a distinguished legal career and becoming Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. He also authored “Key West: The Old and the New” in 1912.
Manuel Cabeza (d. 1921)
Known as “El Isleño” (“the islander”), Cabeza fought in the First World War and later settled in Key West. His tragic story involves a conflict with the Ku Klux Klan, leading to his lynching after a Christmas Eve incident in 1921.
B.P. “Pearl” Roberts (1929-1979)
Perhaps the most Key West epitaph, Pearl Roberts, a local hypochondriac, had a final word with her marker: “I Told you I was Sick.” Nearby, you’ll also find the grave marker for Gloria M. Russell (1926-2000), which humorously reads, “I’m just resting my eyes.”
Piedad L.F. de Ayala (1859-1891)
The granddaughter of the author of the Cuban national anthem, Piedad L.F. de Ayala, is memorialized with a monument carved (and signed) by George Clark of Jacksonville.
Gladys Bates
This angelic monument is one of the most delicately carved in the cemetery, representing a noteworthy example of Victorian statuary.
Gato Family Plot
The Gato family, one of the most prominent cigar-manufacturing families in Key West, ran their business for half a century. The family factory still stands at 1100 Simonton Street. After the passing of Mercedes Gato (1846-1903), the family home transformed into a charity hospital. Eduardo Gato, Jr. (1874-1948), resided at 1327 Duval Street, which is now the Southernmost Point Guesthouse. You can also visit the Gato Pocket Park built to resemble the cigar maker’s homes of the time.
Los Martires de Cuba
A monument was erected in 1862 to honor those who died attempting to free Cuba from Spanish rule during the Ten Years War (1868-1878). The central obelisk commemorates battles, while the upright tablets at each corner list fallen soldiers. Antonio Diaz y Carrasco (1865-1915), who served as Cuban Consul from 1903 to 1915, is buried here.
Elena Hoyos de Hoyos
Perhaps one of the most famous stories associated with the Key West Cemetery is that of Elena Hoyos de Hoyos. She was a young woman who tragically passed away from tuberculosis in 1931. Her love-struck doctor, Carl Tanzler, became obsessed with her and secretly preserved her body, keeping it in his home for years. Elena was eventually laid to rest in an unmarked grave at the Key West Cemetery. Her story is a haunting tale of love and obsession that continues to intrigue visitors.
Benjamin C. Sawyer
Benjamin C. Sawyer, known as the “Perpetual Mayor of Key West,” was a beloved figure in the community. He served as mayor for an astonishing 20 years and is remembered for his dedication to the city. His tombstone is a testament to his enduring legacy, and his story reflects the deep connection between Key West’s history and its residents.
The USS Maine Memorial
The Key West Cemetery also holds the USS Maine Memorial, dedicated to the sailors who lost their lives on February 15, 1898, in the explosion of the USS Maine battleship in Havana Harbor in 1898. The explosion led to the U.S. declaring (a very short-lived) war on Spain. About two dozen of the sailors who lost their lives in this disaster find their final resting place here. They lie on either side of the central copper statue. Besides Spanish-American War veterans, you’ll notice Civil War-era markers along the fence’s perimeter. The plot also accommodates veterans of other wars, including two British airmen, a Brazilian sailor, a woman, and even a baby. The iron fence and gates adorned with spear points and battle axes were crafted by a foundry in Washington, D.C.
The Unknown Sailors’ Grave
One of the most poignant stories in the cemetery is that of the Unknown Sailors’ Grave. It serves as a poignant reminder of the many sailors who perished at sea and were laid to rest without identification. The grave is marked with a simple plaque and a sense of solemnity.
These are just a few of the stories that make the Key West Cemetery a place of historical significance and intrigue. Each grave, mausoleum, and memorial in this cemetery has its own story, weaving together the rich tapestry of Key West’s past.