Key West Cemetery

Very cool historic cemetery open to the public. I'm from the Midwest and don't often see above-ground graves, so this was unique. The path throughout the cemetery is well-paved and clear. Lots of lizards hanging out here and some beautiful monuments. I also spotted the first headstone I've ever seen that appeared to be hand-written in the cement.

I have spent days in the Key West Cemetery over the years - early morning, during the day and in the sunset hours … the Key West Cemetery offers solemn moments, laughter, history and visions of art … the cemetery is filled with memories of so many Key West Characters - the memories I have selected are a mere few of so many memories … the baby that was born the last day of 1965 and died the 1st day of 1966 captured my heart … “Pearl” the hypochondriac whose marker says “I Told You I Was Sick”,l is a classic attraction … the ARTist metal-work fencing and ARTist monument structures attract my attention … the iguanas that live above ground and under many grave stones add LIFE to the cemetery … joggers will use the paths, visitors will walk about attending to their relatives and planes from the Key West airport will occasionally break the silence of the cemetery - there is LIFE in this place … I would be honored to have the Key West Cemetery share the memory of “Run-A-Way Bill” when my time comes - not so much my physical remains as leave a unique memory that would make people smile … I have learned that “we die twice” - the 1st time when our body goes and the second and final time when “the last person alive says our name out loud” … 13.24.23 Saturday Christmas Eve’s Eve ——- The Key West Cemetery is alive with history, one-of-a-kind grave markers since 1847 (& a couple transferred from old Key West Cemetery, various lizards, roosters & chickens, strolling visitors, international airport jets flying low overhead (landing approach). Still an active cemetery, including cemetery tours or self-tour maps. Admiring the unique headstones/foot-stones, humorous quotes, “Remember the Maine” disaster memorial, plus will take hours, if not weeks. A “Run-A-Way Bill” Favorite Key West attraction. 03.21.19

It seems odd to review a cemetery, but this is a must see when touring Key West. Sad but interesting to see the above ground burials and the varying levels of caretaking and the breadth of people who have been laid to rest here. You will experience a range of emotions as you walk from the section where 59 unknown babies were sponsored and buried, to the section where many adorned their placards with verses that will make you laugh (ex: “I always said I would own a small piece of land in The Keys”). Well worth an hour or so of your time.

Great old historic cemetary that's crawling with iguana's. A must see while visiting Key West and to pay respect to the dead. This place has a nice memorial to the sailors that paid the ultimate price in the Battle of Havana Harbor on Feb. 15, 1898. The cemetary was relocated here long ago since it's the highest point on Key West and less apt to flooding. Worth a visit. FYI its separated by religion so take some time, each section has its own uniqueness.