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

Maria Valdez Gutsens

1861-1941

— Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden —

Maria Valdez Gutsens Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

1. Maria Valdez Gutsens Marker

Inscription. In 1904, the beneficencia Cubana was organized for work among the Key West Cuban poor. In December, 1910, Maria Gutsens, Mrs Blanca Ferriol de Perez, Mrs. Carlotta Cenarro de Alayeto, Mrs. Maria Manas de Betancourt, Mrs. Esperanza La Fe, Mrs. Felicia Rodriguez de Rúeda, Miss Caridad Rodriguez, Miss Mana Escalante, Miss Palmenia Hernandez, Miss Maria L. Carrasco, Miss Leopoldina Elizarde and Misses Ignacia and Angelica Fernandez conceived the idea of establishing a hospital where the indigents of all nationalities could receive medical care. After two years of work, on October 10, 1911, the group dedicated the Casa del Pobre, Mercedes hospital. The hospital was located on what is now Truman Avenue and Mart Drive and was later moved to Virginia Street. The building was the former residence of Mr. E.H. Gato, who donated the house, and the hospital was named for his wife, Mercedes. Mrs. Gutsens was the matron of the hospital from its founding to her death in 1941. She devoted her life to caring for patients and raising money necessary to keep the hospital in operation. In 1934, the Cuban government awarded her the cross of

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the Order of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in honor of her work and devotion.
Donated by
Ramiro E. Rodriguez, Jr. and Family
The District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council

Erected by Ramiro E. Rodriguez, Jr. and Family, The District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 24° 33.588′ N, 81° 48.41′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from the intersection of Wall Street and Tift’s Alley, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located within the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Wall 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,

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

2. Maria Valdez Gutsens Marker

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: Peter Roberts (here, next to this marker); Livingston Wellesley Bethel (here, next to this marker); Julius F. Stone (here, next to this marker); John Watson Simonton (here, next to this marker); Captain Edward "Bra" Saunders (here, next to this marker); Elisabetha Merklin Knight Beiglett Smith (here, next to this marker); Carlos Manuel De Cespedes y Cespedes (here, next to this marker); John Lowe, Jr. (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . .
1. Night Nurse on Duty—Key West, Florida. (Submitted on May 15, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. The Key West Sculpture Garden – Where History Meets Art. (Submitted on May 15, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.