Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Cornish Memorial AME Zion Church

Circa 1864

Photographed By Jay Kravetz, September 25, 2016

1. Cornish Memorial AME Zion Church Marker

Inscription.

Founded in 1864, Cornish Chapel members began building their church in 1885. Designed to resemble European cathedrals, it served as a place of worship, school, and refuge during inclement weather. The foundation was quarried from the site and its wooden truss beams are believed to have been salvaged from sailing ships. The namesake and founding force behind this landmark church, Sandy Cornish, was a former slave, farm owner, businessman, civic leader, and was considered at the time to be the wealthiest man in Key West.

Erected by Florida Department of State Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 93.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church series list.

Location. 24° 33.173′ N, 81° 48.145′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Whitehead Street (U.S. 1) and Angela Street, on the right when traveling east on Whitehead Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 702 Whitehead Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Seascape Inn Bed & Breakfast (approx. 0.2 miles away);

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The Lewinsky Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Kapok Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); The 1886 Fire (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Monroe County Jail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lighthouse Keeper’s Duties (approx. 0.2 miles away); Key West Lighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Photographed By Jay Kravetz, September 26, 2016

2. Cornish Memorial AME Zion Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2017, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 28 times this year. Last updated on February 4, 2017, by Andy P of Ellicott City, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2017, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.