Historic Key West City Cemetery

Key West's unique and intriguing cemetery lies in the heart of Old Town. The main entrance and Sexton's office are at the intersection of Angela and Margaret Streets. The cemetery sits in a nineteen-acre park-like setting where the following people rest side-by-side, echoing the island city's diverse heritage:

Bahamian mariners
Catholics
Cuban cigar makers
Millionaires and paupers
People of all races
Protestants and Jews
Spanish-American War veterans
Soldiers and Civilians

Establishment of Cemetery

The City Cemetery was established in 1847 on "high ground, 16 feet above sea level" in Key West following the disastrous hurricane of October 11, 1846, where the then beach-side cemetery was unearthed due to the winds and seas.

This continues to be an active cemetery with about 100 interments a year. Within the fenced 19 acres of the property lies between 80,000 to 100,000 people.

Read more about our Cemetry in an article published by the Miami Herald by clicking here.

Tours:
Guided tours are available by contacting the Sexton's office. A free comprehensive self-guided tour map is available at the cemetery's front entrance.

Friends, family, and colleagues gathered today at the Historic Key West Cemetery to dedicate a new bench to Russell Brittain, our former sextant who passed away in 2020.

Brittain served the City from 2004 until 2020. During his tenure, as Deacon Peter Batty noted, Brittain completely revamped cemetery records and cleaned up the grounds while maintaining sensitivity to the families of the folks buried there.

"Russel was a tremendous asset to the community," reads the plaque on the bench. "His humble unfailing service to his cemetery residents and the survivors who loved them exemplified the best in public service."

Community donations made this quiet resting place, created by artists Craig Berube-Gray, a reality.

FAQs

When was the Key West City Cemetery established?

In 1847 after the disastrous hurricane of October 11, 1846. The hurricane destroyed several burial grounds, prompting the City to purchase a 100-lot tract in the center of town. Several years later, the City added 233 lots, and in 1868, a separate Catholic Cemetery was created along Francis Street. The Jewish Cemetery was added in the southeast portion of the property.

Who owns the Cemetery?

The City of Key West owns and operates the Cemetery.

In this an active Cemetery?

Yes. We have an estimate of 100 interments every year.

How many people are buried in the Key West Cemetery?

It is estimated 70,000 people are buried here.

Why are graves in disrepair?

The graves are private property owned by families. The family is responsible for maintaining the graves. Many families take great pride in maintaining their plots. Other families have left town or sadly died out. Sometimes historically, significant gravesites are renovated when grants become available.

Why are people buried above ground?

Because of limited space, we can have two vaults underground and three above ground in any 4" x 8" space.

Are there burial lots for sale?

Yes. There are above-ground vaults and cremation niches available. Occasionally, a family will decide to sell a part of their lot. This transaction takes place privately without the participation of the City.

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Historic Key West City Cemetery

Memorial Dedication to the City's beloved Cemetery, Sexton Russell Brittain.

Images from the Cemetery

Sexton

Rosa Diaz

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