Key West

On July 23, 1898, the United States battleship USS Maine was ordered to Key West, Florida. The USS Maine was originally sent to Havana, Cuba, to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban War of Independence. Its explosion on February 15, 1898, in the Havana Harbor was a catalyst for the Spanish-American War. Following the explosion, the wreck was towed to Key West for investigation.

The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 was one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. It struck the Florida Keys on September 2, 1935, devastating the area. In particular, the hurricane caused significant damage to Key West and resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 485 fatalities. The hurricane brought winds exceeding 185 mph and a storm surge that flooded the islands, marking it as a historic and catastrophic event.

Naval Air Station Key West was established on March 25, 1940, as a strategic military base. Located in Key West, Florida, the base has played a crucial role in training naval aviators and supporting naval operations in the United States. During World War II, the air station became a critical site for antisubmarine patrols, training, and air defense, significantly contributing to the defense efforts in the Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricane Donna was one of the most powerful hurricanes of the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season. On October 18, 1960, it struck Key West, causing widespread damage and power outages across the island. The hurricane brought sustained winds of 130 mph, heavy rains, and a storm surge. The impact was severe, disrupting the local community and infrastructure, and it took weeks for Key West to recover from the devastation.

On April 23, 1982, in a tongue-in-cheek secession, Key West declared itself the Conch Republic in response to a U.S. Border Patrol blockade that created a massive traffic jam. The quirky stunt was meant to draw attention to the economic impacts on tourism and residents due to the roadblock, which Key West viewed as akin to a foreign border checkpoint. This symbolic act has since become an enduring part of Key West’s cultural identity, celebrated annually as a tourism festival.

On March 28, 1985, the Southernmost Point Buoy was officially established in Key West at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets. The large concrete buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental United States, only 90 miles from Cuba. It has become one of the most popular landmarks in Key West, attracting tourists from around the world. This colorful buoy serves both as a photogenic tourist attraction and a symbol of Key West’s geographical significance.

Hurricane Opal was a powerful hurricane that impacted the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern United States in 1995. Although Opal’s most significant effects were felt in the Florida Panhandle, its remnants passed near Key West on October 28, 1995. This brought strong winds and heavy rains to the area, causing minor flooding and damage. Key West experienced the storm's effects as it weakened, highlighting the island's vulnerability to hurricanes.

Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Key West on October 24, 2005. As one of the strongest hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin, Wilma caused significant flooding and wind damage. The hurricane brought a storm surge that inundated much of the lower Keys, including downtown Key West, leading to major disruptions. Recovery was expedited through community efforts, but the storm highlighted vulnerabilities and led to discussions on improving infrastructure.

The terminal expansion and renovation of Key West International Airport was completed on October 15, 2008. This project significantly improved the airport’s capacity and modernized its facilities to better accommodate travelers visiting the popular tourist destination. Enhanced amenities and infrastructure improvements helped redefine the travel experience and supported tourism growth, contributing to the local economy.

Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys on September 10, 2017, as a Category 4 hurricane, severely affecting Key West. The storm brought widespread damage through strong winds and storm surge, causing destruction to homes, infrastructure, and the natural environment. The aftermath required extensive recovery and rebuilding efforts, with significant involvement from federal and state agencies to assist residents and restore the community.