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

Key West's Metal Roofs

Ken Lund via Flicker (CC BY-SA 2.0), April 24, 2021

1. Key West's Metal Roofs Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Great Fire of 1886 brought an end to the practice of using wood shakes for roofing. At the time, Key West buildings were mostly wooden structures built in close quarters. Afterwards, the City required metal roofs on new and rebuilt buildings. Metal roofing materials have taken several different forms over the years but the advantages of a metal clad roof in Key West's subtropical climate remain; they are fire resistant, energy efficient, and a good investment when facing hurricane strength winds.
— Circa 1886 —

Erected by Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 99.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 24° 33.405′ N, 81° 47.935′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Southard Street and Love Lane, on the left when traveling south on Southard Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 718 Southard St, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker. The W.H. Albury House (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Curry House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Haskins House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Key West Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Oldest Drug Store (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saw Tooth Roof (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Kerr House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Masonic Temple (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . . Key West's Metal Roofs. There are four main styles of metal roofs commonly seen in Key West. (Key West Historic Marker Tour) (Submitted on February 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Key West Metal Roofs Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 3, 2023

2. Key West Metal Roofs Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 21, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on May 13, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.