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

Key West Aquarium

— Circa 1932 —

Photographed by James Hulse, January 11, 2026

1. Key West Aquarium Marker

Inscription. The Key West Aquarium was the first open-air aquarium in Florida. It was built by the WPA, between 1932 and 1934, when Key West was in the grips of the Great Depression and on the verge of bankruptcy. The Aquarium was the creation of Dr. Robert Van Deusen, the Director of the Fairmount Park Aquarium in Philadelphia. It was Key West's first tourist attraction as well as a research center and clearinghouse for subtropical aquatic animals and plants.

Erected by Key West Historic Marker and Historic Tours of America. (Marker Number 52.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.

Location. 24° 33.545′ N, 81° 48.428′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Whitehead Street and Wall Street on Whitehead Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Whitehead 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

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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: Mel Fisher and 1622 Fleet Shipwreck Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); One-ton slab of marble (within shouting distance of this marker); The Conch Republic (within shouting distance of this marker); Mallory Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Conch Republic (within shouting distance of this marker); The Key West Arts Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Island Welcome Center (Tift & Co.) Shell Warehouse (Ice House) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Key West Aquarium and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 11, 2026

2. Key West Aquarium and Marker

The marker is located on the right side of the window along the wall.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.