The history of Key West has been greatly impacted by the lives of its African American citizens. Their influences can be found today all over the island and many which can be seen on our tour.
Sandy Cornish (Uncle Sandie) a freed slave who became a successful businessman and community leader. He built one of the most well recognized churches on the island, the Cornish African Methodist Episcopal Church at 702 Whitehead Street. It is famous for the stained glass over the front door which is said to represent the eye of God.
At Higgs Beach you will find the African Cemetery. Two US gunboats, the Mohawk and the Wyandotte captured two slave ships, the Wildfire and the Williams, and brought them to Key West. The citizens of Key West donated food, clothing, and care. Many of the slaves died from the harrowing journey and 294 of them were buried in a mass grave. The grave was undetected for nearly 150 years. In 2002 a consecration ceremony took place and today this hallowed ground has been lovingly preserved. Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum has done a display on the cemetery that warrants a visit.
Each year, more than 30 thousand visitors flock to our small island to partake in the 10 day celebration called Fantasy Fest. As the party was ending on Duval Street a different party of sorts was just beginning. For the past 28 years, Historic Tours of America, Inc. has organized Children’s Day, a family oriented event that draws hundreds of kids dressed in their Halloween Costumes to Bayview Park. On this gorgeous and a little steamy Sunday in the park, each child had the opportunity to enter in costumes contests, play games, ride rides, and eat lunch with their families. Entertainment was provided by the local high school band, dance team and gymnasts. Anyone who wanted a free ride aboard the Conch Tour Train was granted one and the Old Town Trolley was on site to provide seating for anyone with tiresome feet. Read the rest of this entry »
Key West Attractions Association President Sarah Knott (left) with We're Glad You're Here Volunteers Tom Lavender and Loretta Uhl.
The Key West Attractions Association, of which we are a member of, has started a fabulous new program called We’re Glad You’re Here. Read the rest of this entry »
This Sunday, September 6, is Local’s Day here in Key West and that means free admission for all Monroe County residents. In addition to the Conch Train, the Key West Aquarium, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum are participating so make a day of it! All you have to do is bring a id with your local address on it and enjoy the day on us. It’s a great way to reacquaint yourself with the city or if you live up the Keys, to come to Key West and play tourist for the day.
Glenn & Bill with their "Love Your Island" tshirts
Glenn & Bill on the seventh day of the month
Here at the Conch Train, we are in the business of sharing this beautiful island we call home with thousands of visitors everyday. As such, each one of us is responsible for keeping it clean and green not only for our visitors, but for ourselves and
future generations. We have made great strides in the last year in our operations to reduce, reuse and recycle. We have eliminated styrofoam, gone to bottle less water coolers and recycling anything we can get our hands on to. Our vehicles have been running on clean burning propane since we started over 50 years ago. In the Great Law of the Iroquois it is written, “In every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” On the seventh day of every month all of our CASTmembers wear their “Love Your Island” t-shirts to remind ourselves, our guests and our residents of our responsibility be good keepers of planet earth for the next generations to enjoy.
We are still riding on our Today Show high. The Conch Train and engineer Bruce Dodge were invited by the Today Show to escort Al Roker for his 7:30 weather live broadcast. The whole day was great fun for visitors and residents alike!
It’s not every day the Al Roker of the Today Show decides to make his entrance for the weather on the Conch Train, but that is exactly what happened yesterday. Al, along with co anchor Matt Lauer, spent time in the Southernmost City for their series, Today Takes A Vacation. Read the rest of this entry »
Did you catch Good Morning America on July 21st? I did and I was really excited because there was a great segment on Key West. Read the rest of this entry »
Visit Key West once and you’re sure to come back often as I have for more than 20 years. It’s not just the perfect weather and the unbelievably beautiful water (and all the things to do on the water)– but the people, the history, the vast amount of sights and the wonderful, casual attitude the island exudes.
This Sunday, September 6, is Local’s Day here in Key West and that means free admission for all Monroe County residents. In addition to the 
