Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The William Curry Warehouse
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
1. The William Curry Warehouse Marker
The William Curry Warehouse
Built in 1878 as a Hall and Bonded store by William Curry (1821-1896). Key West's leading citizen and entrepreneur. Born in the Bahamas, Mr. Curry arrived in Key West in 1837 finding work as an office clerk. By 1845 Mr. Curry was a full partner in Bowne and Curry, who's principle business interests were in the salvaging of wrecks along the Florida coast and Keys. The business owned wrecking boats and supplied the hardware and dry goods for many others. They were also extensively engaged in ship building and tobacco trading. In 1861 Mr. Curry became the sole owner. He is accorded the title of Florida's First Millionaire. His building was one of the first masonary structures on the island and survived the great fire of 1886. It is said to have been used as an auction hall and warehouse for much of the wrecking salvage brought into Key West during this historic era. In 1899 it was bonded as a tobacco warehouse and has seen many different tenants since then, - The Morning Call Printing Company in 1926, Marks Brick Garage in 1948, and a grocery warehouse in 1949. Vacant in the mid fifties, Key West Transit occupied it in 1959, Key West Enterprises in 1964 and Key West Moving and Storage in 1966. In 1969 Key West Handprint Fabrics, Inc. moved its
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 24° 33.598′ N, 81° 48.225′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Greene Street and Elizabeth Street, on the left when traveling south on Greene Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Simonton 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, 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: A different marker also named William Curry Warehouse (here, next to this marker); Cigar Capital of the World (a few steps from this marker); Old City Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Kemp House (about 400 feet away); Norberg Thompson (about 500 feet away); Coca-Cola Bottling Court (about 500 feet away); Thompsons Ice House (about 500 feet away); Sponging (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Also see . . . Floridas 1st Millionaires Warehouse. (Submitted on May 28, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
2. The William Curry Warehouse Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 581 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
