Established in 1847, this solemn sanctuary was born out of pure tragedy when a ruthless hurricane in 1846 washed the island's previous cemetery right out of the earth, scattering its poor souls. Today, it serves as the final, resting abode for over 60,000 residents... outnumbering the living who walk the streets above them. I found the grounds to be impeccably, almost unnervingly, well-kept. Beautiful elevated mausoleums and winding pathways offer a serene landscape for an unforgettable stroll. In fact, I found it to be a magnificent place to sit, mediate, and hold quiet conversation with the long-departed. They are marvelous listeners. A word of grave warning for the unprepared mortal: the midday sun is relentless here. There are precious few shadowy alcoves to shield you from its scorching rays. Do not venture in without proper armor, bring an umbrella for shade, plenty of water, and sunscreen, lest you join the sun-bleached residents prematurely! It is open to visitors from sunrise until sunset... but I strongly advise you to depart before the final shadows stretch long across the tombs. You wouldn't want to be locked in after dark... or would you? read more

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The Key West Cemetery was established in 1847 after the October 1846 hurricane washed away the earlier burying ground. Some older markers, for example 1829 and 1843, were relocated there. On 19 acres atop Solares Hill it holds an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 graves, many above ground due to the high water table, and includes historic memorials such as the USS Maine Mast It isn't shaded, and by this time it was hot and humid and we were basically dripping with sweat so maybe time it better than we did. However, I love history and this place was worth the detour. read more

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Historic tourist hot spot with complementary detailed maps to navigate through the narrow paths - yes, entry is free. Either walk through but I prefer to ride my bicycle. There is no shade to hide under anywhere so its usually brutal hot. It takes about an hour to really see every section of the cemetery. The graves pre-date 1900s and the small child graves freak me out. Love the funny sayings on the headstones like, "I told you I was sick." The jewish section called B'nai Zion at the back of the cemetery and are well polished and the grounds are manicured. Not sure if saying a cemetary was a fun place, but it actually was entertaining - its Key West. read more

Key West Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

Not as impressive as some of the great necropoli of the world but it does have its own charm as well as an array of different styles of graves. There is a Catholic and Protestant section, and has graves above and below ground. It is entire free of charge to enter and remains open until sunset. Remember that this is not an attraction but a working cemetery and so there will be people paying respects to their departed loved ones. read more

Key West Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Around since 1847, the Key West Cemetery is worth a walk-through. It's 19 acres & located in Old Town, on Passover Lane. The uniqueness of the city's residents extends even to the grave. Tombstones bear quirky creative inscriptions that reflect epitaphs regarding the island's casual lifestyle. Some of the more well-known inscriptions include "I told you I was sick" and "I'm just resting my eyes." One tombstone for a captain is actually topped with a ship's mast. Notable Conchs buried here include Ellen Mallory, whose name you'll recognize from Mallory Square; William Curry, Florida's first millionaire; and "Sloppy" Joe Russell, who was Ernest Hemingway's fishing guide and a bartender at the famed Sloppy Joe's bar on Duval Street. read more

Anyone that has spent time in New Orleans knows of the overwhelming desire to visit one of the cemeteries that every tourist visits. Not as creepy as it sounds but there is a charm to them due to the age and architecture (learned this from my hubby who loves architecture and design). Key West is no different; it's charming (not creepy). When we go for one of our long walks or bike rides we often will pass thru here and travel up and down the walkways and look at the dates and comments on the headstones. My husband has showed me some of the classics that people come just to see. The concrete encasements are not deep like most cemeteries (I think because of the rocky ground that is very hard to dig). There is even a Jewish Cemetery inside of the main cemetery; it's kind of sad since there are a lot of very small encasements (children). read more

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Only a few blocks off of Duval street, riding my bike in the Key West Cemetery is an adventure that I have done during every visit to the area. Most of the 100 year old graves are overgrown but some are well taken care of. Never been here at night which would be scary but I think it closes at 5pm anyways. They have a Jewish cemetery area and lots of different sized stone graves. Surely a place to visit if you are a tourist. read more

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Sometimes my wife and I like to stroll through old cemeteries while on vacation to see the local history firsthand. We were able to park at a church a few blocks up the street and it was a short stroll to the cemetery. The cemetery itself is very well organized into rows and columns, and it's not too big so it's impossible to get lost. I definitely think it's an underrated spot to visit when in Key West. read more

Key West Cemetery - Give her a minute... - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

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Located at the center of Old Town Wish we had more time visiting this historic cemetery. They even offered free guided walking tours (call for reservations). There seem to be several entrance gates but they were all locked with the exception of the main gate on the corner of Passover Lane and Angela Street. There is a small office at the entrance but it was closed. This is still an active cemetery. The cemetery was founded in 1847 on high ground (16 feet above sea level) in the northwest section of the Old Town area of the island. This to prevent from future flooding since a bad hurricane destroyed an earlier beach-side cemetery in 1846 unearthing bodies and washing them across Key West. Yikes! We were looking for a particular grave and we noticed a gentleman who seemed to be doing the same as us except he had a professional camera (I was just using my phone for photos). It turned out we were looking for the same grave. We had no map, no guide so we were searching blindly. Anyway, we didn't find the grave and we left as it was getting late in the afternoon. NOTE: The streets are narrow and finding parking can be challenging. We parked on a side street near a market because the parking spaces in the residential area are reserved and designated for residents. Review #2882 read more

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I love visiting cemeteries, especially super old ones. When I found out about the Key West Cemetery, I had to visit. There was public parking nearby for $15 cash for the entire day which is a pretty good deal. The cemetery was quite interesting and with all respect, fun. I've never been to a cemetery where I felt like I knew the diseased until visiting this one. There was a gravesite where someone's dog house was next to the owner, another had a Fischer Price basketball hoop next to it, one stone had a statue of a person fishing, and of course what this cemetery is known for...funny epitaphs. This is a great place to visit but do pay your respects and never walk over the gravesites. This is really a lovely cemetery full of charm. read more

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Beautiful and tranquil location to explore history of Key West. Extensive and accessible grounds are a worth the visit. read more

Key West Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

If I ever end up in a cemetery, I hope it's one like this. Fact is, my "final wishes" include burning me up into a fine powder, dividing what's left into three coffee cans, and given to my three kids along with a long list of places to drop a handful of my remains. Of course they don't know this yet... so don't tell them... but hopefully, they'll take their kids and families along to those amazing places where we had so many memories as a family on roadtrips and such. And yes... the Key West Cemetery has now made the list. The cemetery combines the history of the area with the sardonically irreverent humor of Key West and her colorful former residents. Put most of the graves above ground (high water table here, friends), then add about 100 chickens and 300 invasive iguanas sunning themselves on the warm crypts... and voila! Our family tried to maintain the proper amount of respect for a cemetery. Many gravestones and markers were humorously enscripted, while others were more traditional. There are some pretty old graves here, too, including memorials for US military personnel and some Cubans. If you're into that gray area between historical and macabre, with a dash of intrepid, then your next visit to Key West should include a walk here among the dead. read more

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If you love history , quirky and offbeat humor and just downright weird stories , get yourself on down to the Key West cemetery. We visited during covid so no tours available but honestly we did not need a guide to enjoy our time here . Lots of interesting statues and grave markers . Spot the giant conch shell headstone or the bound and naked woman grave marker. To fully maximize your experience , do a little research first on some of the more ghastly factual tales . For example , read about Carl Tanzler and Elena Hoyos if you wanna hear a sick true story . Elena is said to be buried here (again) in an unmarked grave. Google Reba Sawyer who supposedly was once buried in the cemetery but now her headstone rests in Captain Tony's saloon . You get the idea. The more you research the more you will truly enjoy and appreciate this cemetery. Pro tip : It has several entrances, but you should make a point to start at the northwest corner at Passover Lane and Angela Street because a small office there has excellent free walking tour guides that highlight some notable characters . Do not miss the columbariums- these are the buildings that are home to cremated remains of hundreds of folks , and many with a damn good sense of humor . If you enter where I mentioned above they are located at the very back of the cemetery . The funniest ones are located on the backside facing the enclosure fence and street (pretty sure it's Francis Street) Pro Tips: Plan to spend a couple of hours here if you really wanna soak it all in . Keep in mind , it's 19 acres so the best way to maximize your time is to visit by bicycle or a scoot coupe (google key west scoot coupe fun rentals). While cars and trucks are allowed you miss a lot of details in them . Mopeds and scooters are PROHIBITED so plan accordingly. Just remember to enjoy, respect and appreciate this beautiful place. The residents will be glad you visited them!! read more

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Much like the St. Louis Cemetery in New Orleans this one is also unique. Sometimes I think Key West is a New Orleans want to be and they do have many similarities. Key Westerners are a bit odd. Someone said once that people wind up in Key West because there is nowhere else to go in the US. I really don't know who the most famous person who is buried here and I am sure there must be someone I have heard of sometime in my long life. Two gravestones stand out. The first one said "I told you I was sick" and the second one said "I am just resting my eyes". Which leads me to the quest Mrs. K. took upon herself here. She had to see these two gravestones. She was on a mission. So she is all over the cemetery looking. I asked someone and we went and gathered up Mrs. K. at the opposite side of where she should have been. We took the pictures (on my camera not on my phone) and departed the departed. read more

Key West Cemetery - Key West Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

This cemetery is an interesting place to visit and see Key West history. Most of the graves are above ground. I've never been to New Orleans, but I'm told that it's the same way there. There is a section for casualties of the USS Maine, a Jewish section, a Catholic section, a Catholic baby section, and many large areas home to specific families. If you live in town or visit often, you will recognize many of the last names from local businesses or homes/mansions. Many graves are for people who were born in the 1800s. Joseph Russell, of Sloppy Joe's bar, is buried here. There are a couple of other comical / popular headstones to see, such as "I told you I was sick." If you stop by the office building near the main entrance, you can pick up a map of the cemetery. It lists the location of the "famous" graves. Maps are hanging outside the building (if they are closed.) Be warned that iguanas and roosters are running around freely. They may take you by surprise! read more

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It's not really as morbid and dark as it seems to spend time visiting a cemetery as a tourist (as opposed to visiting loved ones that have been laid to eternal rest at one). As a matter of fact, cemeteries all across our great nation have been popular tourist destinations for many decades... Arlington National Cemetery VA (military cemetery), Hollywood Forever Cemetery CA (Hollywood Celebs), Bonaventure Cemetery GA, Highgate Cemetery London, Old Jewish Cemetery Prague, St Louis Cemetery (New Orleans) LA and then there is the KEY WEST CEMETERY. A year after a hurricane destroyed a former site and washed away bodies by Higgs Beach the City of Key West created the new cemetery in 1847 at the highest point of Key West. Being more than the Hundred 50 years old, Key West Cemetery has some interesting history. The main entrance is at the intersection of Angela Street and Margaret Street; just inside the gates there is an office that will provide you with a cemetery map if you want some guidance... although sometimes it's nice to just stroll around. Many of the family plots have Iron gates or picket fences and interesting tombstones. There is dedicated to Catholic section and on the grounds there is also a dedicated Jewish cemetery (B'NAI ZION Cemetery) but unlike the rest of the cemetery it is not maintained by the city; instead it is maintained by the local Jewish Synagogue. The Key West Cemetery also has a couple memorials related to military and also the Cuban Revolution. But with all these dedicated areas it doesn't reflect on what the cemetery offers, which is much like what the City of Key West offers (acceptance for all). The cemetery is made up of all races, civilians and soldiers, wealthy and poor, forwarders and local... everything that makes Key West special. One of the great things I find about wandering through the cemetery is reading the headstones and mausoleums... QS Cemetery has some very laughable epitaphs... *** Martha Kemb's headstone from 1940 reads "SHE'S NOT DEAD, JUST AWAY" *** B.P. "Pearl" Roberts mausoleum marker from 1979 reads "I TOLD YOU I WAS SICK"... kinda poking fun at the fact that she was a hypochondriac... and the most popular epitaph in the cemetery. *** And just about Pearl is Gloria M Russell from 2000 that reads "I'M JUST RESTING MY EYES" *** Another tombstone that reads "IF YOU'RE READING THIS, YOU DESPERATELY NEED A HOBBY" *** Or "I ALWAYS DREAMED OF OWNING A SMALL PLACE IN KEY WEST" When asked about the strange epitaph for her dead husbands mausoleum that reads JESUS CHRIST, THESE PEOPLE ARE HORRIBLE", Amy Culver-Aversa said she wanted to laugh when she visited his grave (it was something he would say very often about people they would meet in Key West prior to his suicide). So, maybe it is a little morbid after all.... read more

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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 on 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 read more

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This is such an interesting cemetery. On my first visit here I initially thought, "well how could large could it be"? The cemetery is extremely large- way larger than I ever imagined. Most of the grave markets are still in readable condition. You literally could spend hours walking along reading about the lives of the individuals who are resting here. So many stories there to be told. It's very serene in that part of town. It's minutes from Duval, but it feels like you're in another world. Makes perfect sense, I guess. I would take advantage of the guided tours available online. I didn't realize until after that there are maps of the cemetery, so make sure to get that before you go to make the trek even more enjoyable. read more

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Another must see while in the Keys . So much history and story's . Are here in this Cemetery . I had saw where there are 100.000.00 people Buried here . And if you have not hear of the man that slept with the Corpse for 7 years ! You must look it up some history of this Cemetery! read more

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Check with the Key West Chamber of Commerce and find out when there are guided tours done by the Historical Society(?) at the Cemetery...its a great history lesson on the place we've come to enjoy escaping to! read more

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I love touring old cemeteries when Im in strange towns and this was no exception. Although in July it was blazing hot myself & PEM got to see lots of old graves, some unmarked and settling, some brand new, some that will break your heart with one day old babies. Lots of iguana sightings! A nice jewish area as well that is to me, far more interesting , albeit it less historic but the sayings on the stones are much more personalized. It's a great way to spend a couple hours and take some nice photos! read more

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What an awesome cemetery! I walked around for hours just checking out the atmosphere and super interesting headstones and gravesites. Definitely worth the time! read more

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A cemetery that's full of life seems a little odd but that seems to be the case here, the abundances of reptilians and chickens that call this home is not only strange, its seems they are the gate keepers of this historic burial ground. So if you're a little skittish of reptiles in particular iguanas but comfortable walking amongst the dearly departed then you should be fine here being the number of each most likely offset each other. Cemeteries are fixtures of the American landscape, providing glimpses of our past and sometimes reveals some insight to the lives and times of those that came before us, we'd like to think all have some historical relevance and that could be in part the draw, for others its simply the historical aspects of cemeteries the gravestones or even funerals and are often referred to as a Taphophile, as creepy as this may sound I think there's a little bit of this in everyone whether or not it's admitted to or accepted... read more

I can't believe there is supposedly over 100,000 people buried here! That's more than the population those living currently in Key West. Originally the cemetery was established in the before the current 1847 established date, but a massive hurricane in late 1846 took the original buried bodies and washed them ashore on sand dunes and in nearby forest where they were scattered from the aftermath. The hurricane unearthed them. Many of those were slaves brought over from Africa who perished on their dreadful voyage. Since then -- similar to New Orleans due to the high water table -- they have many mausoleums scattered about the cemetery. It is my understanding that these were also implemented due to the overcrowding of burials below the ground. For what I can say about this cemetery -- it is full of history and fascinating people. The grave stone have a lot of funny sayings on them. One said, 'I told you I was sick!" The man was 50 years old. Some of those who were lost in the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898 in the Havana Harbor are buried here. Others from the Cuban revolution of 1868 are also interred here. The original namesake of the 'Sloppy Joe' Russell who was a rumrunner is here too. You'll see the occasional chicken and iguana. Those are pretty common for the area. With its extensive history also comes with the varying stories. Even though I didn't have the privilege to do so; I highly recommend taking one of their guided tours to show you around the notable graves that way you can pick up more as you go along other than stumbling upon the things like I did. I am sure I left a lot unmissed for not doing so. When I return to Key West - I definitely plan on returning for a more proper visit. read more

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I came in the early morning and spent several hours exploring the grounds of this cemetery. They have a tour too. One of the things most fascinating about this cemetery is how diverse it is-every ethnicity and religion together in a space for families, friends and visitors to pay their respects and read obituaries of characters from the Keys. The Keys has always been a sanctuary for creative and unique characters. read more

Wherever I go, I insist on making a stop by the local cemetery - even in Key West. This place was expansive, and on a hot day, you best be sure to hydrate because palm tree shade will not cut it! Despite being a home for the dead, this place has tons of character. Besides the off-color tombstone writings (my fave: "I told you I was sick!"), there is also an abundance of wild life lurking about. A lizard popping up right by your foot is enough to keep you on your toes for sure! With different religious sections, you'll also see a wide variety of site markers and tombs. Especially if you've never been to a Southern cemetery (with the above ground / raised graves), this place is worth seeing. A fascinating sight, a good walk about, and tons of local history - definitely add it to your list of Key West must-sees! read more

Key West Cemetery - If angels could talk... - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

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This was an amazing experience to visit this particular cemetery in Key West. Historical aspect of the cemetery is amazing. It's definitely worth stopping by and visiting. read more

Key West Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

Is it worth a stop? Sure! But it doesn't rate very high on my list of must-see cemeteries. Sure it's got some charm and history with some quirkiness mixed in. But it was so frustrating to navigate through a ton was lost on me. I opted for the self guided your using a map that I got from the main office drop box. I would've gone for the organized walking tour but I couldn't locate a tour schedule online (I hope you're reading this management). I recommend riding through on a bike if you have one available. read more

Key West Cemetery - To be fair, I doctored this photo quite a bit :) - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

OK so if you have ever done a cemetery tour in NOLA, this is just as good. Definitely walkable and won't take you more than an hour. Get a map and enjoy yourself. Look for the two really famous grave marker names and don't forget to notice that this cemetery actually has streets in it. Lastly, crossover "Passover Lane" and don't forget to notice that some of the houses have addresses with 1/2's in them. http://www.keywesthistoricmarkertour.org/Cemetery.php?Search=1&ProductCategoryID[]=22 read more

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Key West Cemetery is most likely not on many people's itineraries when they visit the island, but this was certainly a unique cemetery and location to check out. Pretty large and lots of interesting graves and markers, most still in good and readable condition! There are self-guided walking tour maps available online and at their office. For me, it felt like I was in a completely different world when going to the cemetery. read more

Feels kinda weird reviewing a cemetery; however, it was necessary to pay respects to my ancestors who started off there before moving more inland. The cemetery had a lot of history and online they provide funny tombstones to find and get a kick out of. If you are seeking markers for your family, email them and give them about 3 weeks to find them for you; otherwise, unlike us, I would suggest doing it on a cloudy day, as it can get really hot with all the marble. Overall, we had a great time seeking out the markers of our family and even found some that were not listed on findagrave.com. Even though a lot of the grave covers were broken, it is still a beautiful place with lots of Iguanas. Be sure to wear tennis shoes, as the stickers will not be pleasant. read more

Very interesting well worth the time to visit! Lots of history in Key West.

You can easily spend a hour here. Wish I could have done the guided tour, but it wasn't being offered at the time I was there. With the help of the online self guided tour, I was able to locate a few humorous epitaphs. I also saw many iguana's basking in the sun on top of monuments. I did notice a reoccurring theme (this includes those living) most of the people in key west were not born in key west. Not a lot of tourist traffic at this attraction. read more

Key West Cemetery - "Aged 108 years...a good citizen for 65 years" - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

While I've been here on more occasions than I can count, I have to be in the right mood to enjoy visiting the cemetery. In the latest edition of "Stating the Obvious," it's a little morbid....even if the Key West Cemetery is one of the most interesting, dare I say, humorous, cemeteries one can visit in the United States. Consider two of the more famous epitaphs to be found in here: "I told you I was sick" "I'm just resting my eyes" Making dying funny; that pretty much sums up the old irreverent nature of Key West, before it became a haven for rich Midwesterners willing to spend $999/night on hotels. Though much of that older, grittier Key West has been erased, at least it can still be found in the cemetery. I like that not all of the gravesites are gleaming marble palaces - many of them are, but there are also many that are cracked and overgrown...a testament to the extremely harsh climate of the Florida Keys. My favorite part of the cemetery is the burial plot that houses some of the soldiers from the infamous USS Maine, the Key West Naval Station-based battleship that sank in Havana harbor in 1898, the main precursor to the Spanish-American war. History buffs will want to have a look here - it's near the entrance, so it isn't that bad a walk under the blistering tropical sun. read more

It was really interesting it looked like a New Orleans cemetery with the graves raised up because of hurricanes . I like looking at the names and dates couldn't find any of my ancestors. I did pay my respects to everyone there. Don't go at night read more

Key West Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Key West, Florida

Key west Cemetary is among key west's most compelling haunted attractions! Here larks the spirits of key west's most notable residents. Scenic and peaceful by day. Spooktacular at night ! read more

People are dieing to get in. Good news is it is open from 7AM-7PM (summer) 7AM-6PM (winter) so death isn't necessary for admission Key Takeaways: Layout: This is the place to be buried in Key West. You can wander through a plethora of resting places for people of different faith and historical significance, (Catholics, Jews, sailors killed on the USS Maine and Patriots of the Cuban revolution of 1868 etc.) Tombs/Sarcophagi: Smaller than, but reminiscent of, New Orleans cemeteries. No below ground burial so the selection is varied and unique; everything from angels to crypt doors bearing the inscription "I told you I was sick." Transportation: If you drive in through the southeast corner you can either leave your car on a paved road or drive around and stop to look at interesting graves. To say that street parking is near impossible is an understatement. read more

We always visit cemeteries while on vacation, this was a cool looking cemetery you can stroll or drive through! Lots of old plots, iguanas and roosters!!! Bigger than I expected it to be for an area the size of Key West! Be sure to check out the Battleship Maine monument! read more

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This is easily accessible by car, or by walking. The community here mirrors Key West's history and its often sardonic, devil may care personality. Gravel paths make for easy walking, but it is a $500 fine to do any essentially irresponsible or disrespectful thing while visiting. You'll find the famous epitaph, "I told you I was sick" at the entrance to the Jewish section on the east end. A very pastoral section dedicated to veterans and the Battle of the Maine is near the entrance. We didn't locate the popular,. "At least I know where he's sleeping tonight." but we marvelled at the home made engineering just outside the front gates along a neighbor's yard. A wall is built with wattle and mirrors to sheild the house from bad spirits coming from across the street. read more

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An amazing chance to look back into the history of our country. Take a few minutes to think about life when these men and women walked the earth. read more

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