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Black History Month:  African Cemetery at Higgs Beach

2/22/2022

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​In 1860, three American owned ships were intercepted by the United States Navy as they were bound for Cuba with the intent of selling the 1,432 Africans on board into slave labor. The Navy brought the Africans to the safe-haven of Key West, where a barracks and hospital were built within a confined compound.

​ At this time the population of the island was only 3,000. The people in Key West were gracious and welcoming, donating many items and medical care to the rescued Africans, many of whom were very ill from their forced six week trans-atlantic journey.
 
They remained in the southernmost city for three months, and despite the short refuge, 295 of the 1,432 died of their illnesses. The surviving freed Africans were sent on another trip across the Atlantic to Liberia, but this journey was just as dangerous, and roughly another 337 died at sea. U.S. Marshal Fernando Moreno personally paid for the proper burial of all of the deceased in Key West. The location of only nine bodies is known, and a memorial of the site is marked at Higgs Beach, between West Martello Tower and White Street Pier. The remaining 286 are believed to be nearby. 
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  • Home
  • Visit Key West
    • Community Calender
    • Getting Here
    • Map & Places of Interest
    • Places to Stay >
      • Lodging Online Booking
    • Places to Dine
    • Things to Do >
      • The Florida Keys & Key West
    • Weddings
    • Coupons
    • Sunset Times
  • Live, Work & Relocate
    • City of Key West >
      • Utilities
    • Monroe County >
      • School/College Registration
      • Auto/Drivers License Info
      • Fishing/Hunting/Boating Licenses Info
    • Job Listings >
      • Job Board
    • Monroe County Score Card
    • Latest Community News
    • Statistics on Tourism
  • About the Chamber
    • Why Join the Chamber >
      • Membership Application
      • Referral Roundup
      • Testimonials
      • Member Login
    • Board of Directors
    • Chamber Staff
    • Chamber Calendar
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    • Chamber Resources >
      • 2022 Business Magazine
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      • Member Discounts and Affinity Programs
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    • Chamber News >
      • Member To Member Emails
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