National Register Listings in
Monroe County, Florida

Adderley, George, House African Cemetery at Higgs Beach AFRICAN QUEEN Alligator Reef Light American Shoal Light Angustias Shipwreck Site Armory, The Bat Tower-Sugarloaf Key Carysfort Lighthouse Chaves Shipwreck Site Dry Tortugas National Park El Gallo Indiano Shipwreck Site El Infante Shipwreck Site El Rubi Shipwreck Site Florida Keys Memorial Fort Jefferson National Monument Fort Zachary Taylor Gato, Eduardo H., House HA. 19 (Japanese Midget Submarine) Hemingway, Ernest, House Herrara Shipwreck Site INGHAM (USCGC) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Reserve Key West Historic District Key West Historic District (Boundary Increase) Little White House Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum Matecumbe Methodist Church Matecumbe Methodist Church Cemetery Mud Lake Canal Old Post Office and Customshouse Overseas Highway and Railway Bridges Overseas Highway and Railway Bridges (Boundary Increase) Pigeon Key Historic District Porter, Dr. Joseph Y., House San Francisco Shipwreck Site SAN PEDRO (shipwreck) Sand Key Lighthouse Sloppy Joe's Bar Sombrero Key Light Sueco de Arizon Shipwreck Site Thompson Fish House, Turtle Cannery and Kraals Tres Puentes Shipwreck Site U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Key West Station US Naval Station USCG Cutter DUANE Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter R. Mickens Post 6021 and William Weech American Legion Post 168 West Martello Tower WESTERN UNION (schooner)
The Seminole Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States government and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, lasted for over 40 years from 1817 to 1858. The wars were some of the longest and most expensive conflicts in American history.
Florida random facts
Monroe County, Florida, located in the southernmost part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area that is now Monroe County was initially inhabited by the indigenous Calusa tribe, known for their seafaring skills and trading network. European explorers, such as Ponce de Leon and Juan Ponce de León, arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that Monroe County began to take shape.

In the early 1800s, Monroe County became part of the newly formed Florida Territory. Key West, the county seat, quickly developed into a vibrant port city due to its strategic location. It became known for its sailors, shipwreck salvagers, and trading activity. During this time, wrecking became a major industry as many ships ran aground on the treacherous reefs surrounding the Keys.

The county's history is also intertwined with the era of American expansionism. In the 1820s, the US government established Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West to control piracy along the coast. It played a role in the Mexican-American War and served as a base during the Civil War.

The early 20th century brought significant changes to Monroe County with the completion of the Overseas Railway, connecting Key West to mainland Florida. This railway transformed the Keys into a popular tourist destination. However, a devastating hurricane in 1935 destroyed much of the railway and led to the construction of the Overseas Highway. This highway replaced the railway and became a lifeline for the county, allowing for increased development and tourism.

Today, Monroe County remains a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. It continues to be a major center for fishing, boating, and diving. The county's history, shaped by its indigenous roots, maritime activities, and unique geographical location, continues to be celebrated and preserved.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Monroe County, Florida.

  • 1823 - Monroe County is established as one of the original counties in Florida.
  • 1830 - The first permanent settlement, known as Indian Key, is established.
  • 1836 - The Second Seminole War begins, leading to the abandonment of Indian Key.
  • 1870 - Key West becomes the county seat and experiences economic growth as a major port.
  • 1912 - The Overseas Railway connects Key West to mainland Florida, boosting tourism and trade.
  • 1935 - The Labor Day Hurricane devastates the Florida Keys, causing massive destruction and loss of life.
  • 1942-1945 - The Florida Keys become an active military zone during World War II.
  • 1982 - The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is established to protect the region's coral reefs.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Georges causes significant damage to Monroe County and the Florida Keys.
  • 2017 - Hurricane Irma makes landfall in the Florida Keys, causing widespread destruction and devastation.