Landmark

Key West Cemetery

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Key West Cemetery is a 19-acre burial ground established in 1847, known for its distinctive above-ground vaults due to the high water table. The cemetery is a peaceful maze of narrow lanes lined with elaborate marble and limestone monuments, many adorned with angels, obelisks, and family crypts. It reflects Key West's multicultural history, with sections for Cuban, Chinese, and Jewish communities. Notable residents include shipwreck salvagers, Civil War veterans, and local characters. Visitors often seek out famous epitaphs like "I told you I was sick" and the memorial to the USS Maine.

Don't miss

  • Find the famous epitaph "I told you I was sick" on a grave near the entrance
  • Visit the USS Maine memorial, a large monument honoring sailors lost in 1898
  • Explore the historic Cuban and Chinese sections reflecting Key West's diverse heritage

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