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

The 1886 Fire

Key West Art & Historical Society

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 3, 2023

1. The 1886 Fire Marker

Inscription.
Key West's most devastating fire was ignited in a coffee shop next to the San Carlos Institute at 2:00 a.m. on April 1, 1886. The fire raged for 12 hours as it raced through the center of the city burning 16 cigar factories, 200 houses and several warehouses. Suspicions of murder, intrigue, and revolutionary aspirations swirl around its history. From 1886 on, the city required that all roofs be covered in metal to deter a future fire from spreading so quickly.

—Circa 1886—
Key West Historic Marker
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Call: 305•507•0300
Sponsor: Historic Markers Inc.

Erected by Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 28.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1886.

Location. 24° 33.323′ N, 81° 48.153′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Duval Street and Fleming Street, on the right when traveling south on Duval Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 518 Duval St, 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. The Lewinsky Building (within shouting distance of this marker); La Concha Hotel (about 400 feet

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away, measured in a direct line); The Kapok Tree (about 500 feet away); Monroe County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); The Oldest Drug Store (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); James Haskins House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . .
1. 1886 Fire. (Submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Key West Art & Historical Society. (Submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 3, 2023

2. The 1886 Fire Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.