Bahama Village in Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Bethel AME Church
Key West Art & Historical Society
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023
1. Bethel AME Church Marker
This structure is one of a handful of African Methodist Episcopal churches serving Bahama Village. The church started in 1887 a few blocks from its present location. The congregation has seen its fair share of loses during its more than 120-year history. The original wooden church was demolished during the Hurricane of 1909. In 1922, the wooden church was stricken by a questionable fire. In 1923, the congregation moved and rebuilt at the present corner location. This hall of worship has been the proud home of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church members ever since.
Circa 1923
Key West Historic Marker
Free Audio Walking Tour
Call: 3055070300
Sponsor: The City of Key West
Erected by The City of Key West. (Marker Number 94.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 24° 32.986′ N, 81° 48.097′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is in Bahama Village. It is at the intersection of Thomas Street and Truman Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Thomas Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 928 Thomas St, 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,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Second Key West Lighthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Women Lighthouse Keepers (about 400 feet away); Key West Lighthouse (about 400 feet away); Lighthouse Keepers Duties (about 400 feet away); Keeper's Quarters Indoor Bathroom (about 400 feet away); Lighthouse Tower (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Key West Lighthouse (about 400 feet away); Keeper's Quarters (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Also see . . . Florida Keys History: African-American Landmarks & Sites. Visit Florida website entry (Submitted on December 28, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 5, 2023
2. Bethel AME Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 795 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
