Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old City Hall
Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, May 28, 2015
1. Old City Hall Marker
Inscription.
The City of Key West acquired this lot in 1871 and built a wood-frame city hall, dedicating it on July 4, 1876, during the nation’s Centennial. That building stood until it burned down in the devastating fire of 1886. The City then constructed this brick edifice between 1890 and 1892. Scott, McDermott & Higgs designed the structure, while Russell & Harvey built it. The ground floor—with wide arches and supporting columns—accommodated market stalls, then fire engines. The upper floor, dominated by the City Commission chambers, also housed City offices. Over the years, the building was altered, including the removal of the bell tower. Monroe County acquired the property in 1965 to house its juvenile court. In 1974, the State of Florida acquired the building, and the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board spearheaded its restoration. The bell tower was restored in 1976 during the Bicentennial. Restoration efforts continued through the 1980’s, leading to the rededication of Old City Hall in 1991. Sweeping granite stairs and an ornate iron balustrade distinguish the building’s entrance, while high ceilings, large
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windows, and wainscoting grace the historic interior.
Erected 2007 by A Florida Heritage Site Sponsored by Historic Florida Keys Foundation and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-601.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1892.
Location. 24° 33.562′ N, 81° 48.275′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Greene Street and Ann Street, on the left when traveling west on Greene Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 Greene 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,069 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
