In Celebration of African American History Month….
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.
