Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Alexander Cruz / Julia Gardner House
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, September 18, 2018
1. Alexander Cruz/ Julia Gardner House Marker
The cigar industry of Key West dates from 1831, when the first cigar factory was established. After the 1868 Cuban War of Independence, Key West’s cigar manufacturing industry boomed, reaching its zenith at the turn of the twentieth century. In 1885, Cuban-born Dolores Fernandez de Cruz purchased this corner lot from Bahamian pioneer William Saunders, who lived here from 1850 to 1880. The Cruz Brothers, Andres, Alexander, and Jose, erected a three-story cigar factory on this site by 1889, providing a business and residence for the family. In 1900, Alexander Cruz bought the factory. He built this 2 1/2 story Neoclassical home on this site circa 1904. The house and lot are significant for their link to the Cuban cigar industry in Key West, which contributed to the island’s economic preeminence at the turn of the century. Julia Gardner, daughter of Richard Henry Albury, one of the island’s most prosperous land owners, purchased the residence in 1918 and owned it for 30 years. Due to its distinctive form, proportion, materials, siting, and architectural details, the Alexander Cruz House contributes to the Key West Historic District.Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 24° 33.38′ N, 81° 48.282′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Whitehead Street and Eaton Street, on the right when traveling north on Whitehead Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 403 Eaton 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. William Lowe Delaney / Theodore Holtsberg House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cosgrove House (within shouting distance of this marker); Phillip L. Cosgrove House, 1872 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oldest Schoolhouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Patterson-Baldwin House (about 400 feet away); Pan American Airways (about 400 feet away); The Oldest House (about 400 feet away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
September 18, 2018
2. Alexander Cruz/ Julia Gardner House and Marker
Looking north along Whitehead St. with Eaton St. in the foreground.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 772 times since then and 161 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
