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 • Religion & Religious Structures. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Truman Annex was formerly the Key West Naval Station

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(about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arnold Samuelson: An Unlikely and Poignant Alliance (about 800 feet away); Monroe County Courthouse (about 800 feet away); Captains and First Mates: Papa's Teachers of the Sea (approx. 0.2 miles away); Miriam Williams: Hemingways' Personal Chef (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hemingway's Model A Ford: "The Ride" in Key West (approx. 0.2 miles away); Seascape Inn Bed & Breakfast (approx. 0.2 miles away); Asa Tift Designs Fountain to Replicate Ironclad Warship (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 1,055 times since then and 99 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.