Key West Cemetery is a 19-acre historic burial ground at 701 Passover Lane in Old Town. Established in 1847 after a storm washed away the earlier cemetery, it holds graves dating to the early 1800s and remains in use. Above-ground tombs, varied monuments and headstones with unusual inscriptions give a personal glimpse of the island’s past. Pick up a free map at the entrance to find notable graves, or take a guided tour with a local historian for more context. Chickens and iguanas roam the grounds.
A cemetery shaped by storms
Key West Cemetery opened in 1847 after a storm washed away the island’s earlier burial ground. The 19-acre site sits at the foot of Solares Hill in Old Town. Graves date as far back as the early 1800s, and burials continue today.
The cemetery holds the stories of people from many parts of Key West life, including ship captains, soldiers, Cuban cigar makers, priests and senators. Its plots also include sections associated with Cuban freedom fighters and US Navy sailors. The range of people buried here makes the grounds a way to follow the island’s history through individual lives.
Tombs, monuments and inscriptions
Many graves are above ground. The island’s rocky soil made below-ground burial difficult, so tombs and mausoleums give the cemetery a distinctive appearance. As you walk, look for different monument styles and headstones, including inscriptions that take an unexpectedly wry tone. One well-known epitaph reads, “I Told You I Was Sick.”
The grounds include the USS Maine Memorial, dedicated to those lost in the 1898 explosion, as well as a marker for people lost at sea. The cemetery’s free map helps you find notable plots and headstones rather than relying on chance as you explore its paths.
How to explore the grounds
You can walk through the cemetery independently. Pick up a free map at the entrance to find points of interest, or join a guided tour with a local historian for more background on the people and graves. A volunteer who helps maintain the stones may also be able to share stories.
There are several entrances, and the cemetery has gates, so it is useful to keep track of where you enter. The paths are described as paved and clear, but the grounds are extensive; bring water, particularly in hot weather. Chickens and iguanas are part of the scene, so expect to see them roaming among the graves.
Perguntas frequentes
When was Key West Cemetery established?
The cemetery opened in 1847, after a storm washed away the island’s earlier burial ground. Some graves date to the early 1800s.
Is there a map of Key West Cemetery?
Yes. A free map at the entrance marks notable graves and other points of interest.
Can you take a guided tour of Key West Cemetery?
A guided tour with a local historian is available for a more in-depth visit. You can also explore on your own with the free map.
How large is Key West Cemetery?
It covers 19 acres in Old Town Key West.
