Bahama Village in Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Walter R. Mickens VFW Post 6021/William Weech American Legion Post 168
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2025
1. Walter R. Mickens VFW Post 6021 / William Weech American Legion Post 168 Marker
Following World War II, returning African American veterans faced segregation and were forced to establish their own veterans association posts. African American members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Key West united to build one post for both groups. Former Key West Mayor C.B. Harvey donated the plans and other members of the community contributed funds and materials. Post members worked on the construction in their free time. Completed in 1952, the building was named in honor of Key West veterans Water R. Mickens, killed in World War II, and William Weech, killed in the 1898 explosion of the U.S.S. Maine. In addition to serving Key West's military personnel, the post functioned as a community center. It hosted meetings, fundraisers, dances, and served as a storm and fire shelter. The post was part of the Chitlin Circuit, a network of venues across the United States that welcomed black entertainers. Performers such as Ruth Brown, Dinah Washington, B.B. King, James Brown, and Otis Redding played here. In 1963, the first meetings to discuss the integration of Monroe County public schools were held
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A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2021 by Walter R. Mickens VFW Post 6021, William Weech American Legion Post 168, and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-1149.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 24° 33.036′ N, 81° 48.221′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is in Bahama Village. It is on Emma Street just south of Petronia Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 803 Emma 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,
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 14, 2025
2. Walter R. Mickens VFW Post 6021/William Weech American Legion Post 168 Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Frederic Douglass High School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Seminole (about 500 feet away); Bethel AME Church (about 800 feet away); Second Key West Lighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Women Lighthouse Keepers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Breadfruit Tree (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lighthouse Keepers Duties (approx. 0.2 miles away); Key West Lighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Also see . . .
1. Walter R. Mickens VFW Post 6021/William Weech American Legion Post 168. (Submitted on May 20, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
2. Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter R. Mickens Post 6021 and William Weech American Legion Post 168. National Register of Historic Places. (Submitted on July 17, 2025, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2025, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
