Bayview Park in Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
José Martí Monument
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
1. Jose Marti Monument
The sculpture and designer of this monument is not known.
(front)
The Cuban Liberty Apostle
Wished to Offer
To the People of Key West
What was Left of His Heart.
This memorial perpetuates his desire.
El Comité Gestor constituido en La Habana el 20 de noviembre de 1936 presidido por el Señor José Manuel Castillo, su propulsor, ofrece este monumento a la ciudad de Key West.
The Managing Committee established in Havana on November 20, 1936, chaired by Mr. Jose Manuel Castillo, its promoter, offers this monument to the City of Key West.
Cayo Hueso, isla labrada y hermoseada por el esfuerzo cubano. Y no cargaremos con ella como nuestra alma invencible que ha sido y nos la clavaremos al costado, para monumento de sus fundadores y objeto de nuestra justa admiración. —José Martí
Key West, an island shaped and beautified by Cuban effort. And we will not carry it with us as the invincible soul it has been; we will embed it in our flank as a monument to its Founders and an object of our just admiration. —Jose Marti
(right)
La viveza con que anhelo
Una occasion respetuosa
De
this page online
De corazón junto al cayo?”
—José Martí.
“How can I leave unsaid
The urgency with which I yearn
For a respectful opportunity
To put what is left of
My heart next to this cay?”
—Jose Marti
(left)
28th of January 1853.
Killed in battle
at Dos Rios (Cuba),
19th of May 1895.
(back)
El Apostol de la Libertad Cubana
Quiso Ofrecer
Al Pueblo de Key West
Lo Que Quedaba de su Corazón.
Este monumento perpetúa su deseo.
(plaque affixed to left side of monument)
100 años de su muerte en Dos Ríos Oriente – Cuba.
100 years since his death in Dos Rios, Oriente – Cuba
Gracias por su ayuda al
monumento de José Martí,
Cayo Hueso, Florida.
monumento de José Martí,
Cayo Hueso, Florida.
Thank you for your contribution
to the Jose Marti Monument,
Key West, Florida.
to the Jose Marti Monument,
Key West, Florida.
—Presidente de la Reparación
Sr. José Cabaleiro • Sra. Marta Cabaleiro • Sra Marta Chinchilla
Sra. Maria Guerra • Sr. Carlos Guerra Jr.
19 de Mayo de 1995
Plantamos seis palmas royales en honor a cada provincia de la Republica de Cuba
We plant six royal palms in honor of each province of the Republic of Cuba
Pinar
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. Jose Marti Monument
(list of donors)
(in the above transcription English translations not on the monument are shown in italics immediately following the Spanish)
Erected 1937 by José Manuel Castillo, chairman of the committee formed to erect this monument, Havana Cuba. Restored 1995 by the restoration committee, José Cabeleiro, President.
Topics. This monument and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1895.
Location. 24° 33.429′ N, 81° 47.26′ W. Monument is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is in Bayview Park. It is at the intersection of Virginia Street (U.S. 1) and Jose Marti Drive, on the left when traveling east on Virginia Street. The monument is located next to the Key West Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park, facing the intersection. Touch for map. Monument is at or near this postal address: 1442 Virginia St, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial monument is on the Florida Keys. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
3. Jose Marti Monument (Right Side)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Eloy Angel Rodriguez (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to All Women Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); Montford Point Marines (within shouting distance of this marker); 2nd South Carolina Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); All Gave Some, Some Gave All (within shouting distance of this marker); Agent Orange (within shouting distance of this marker); Korean War Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam Living Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
More about this monument. The monument restoration plaque lists the six provinces that made up Cuba in when José Martí was alive
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
4. Jose Marti Monument (Left Side)
Regarding José Martí Monument. José Martí, the Cuban born poet, patriot and martyr, was in 1871 imprisoned there and then expelled from Cuba to Spain for sympathizing with the rebels who sought independence, returning to Cuba in 1878. Because of his continuing political activities he was again exiled by the Spanish colonial government the following year. He resided for many years in New York City, publishing essays, poetry and writing newspaper articles, many expressing his love of liberty and justice. He traveled and spoke at Cuban exile communities throughout the Americas, including in Key West and Tampa. In 1895, he returned to Cuba clandestinely to visit the rebel army and participated in the Battle of Dos Rios where, charging on a white horse with sword in hand, he was shot and died. He was 42. —Ed.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
5. Restoration Plaque
Photographed by James Hulse, January 11, 2026
6. José Martí Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 526 times since then and 129 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 27, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 6. submitted on January 20, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the back of the monument • a close up photo of the bust atop the monument • are there any markings on the sculpture that could identify the sculptor? • Can you help?
