West Martello Towers / African Cemetery, Key West

The West Martello Towers, historical landmarks from the Civil War era, were originally constructed for island defense. Now, they host the Key West Garden Club, a lush, tropical oasis in Key West. The gardens provide a cool retreat with abundant greenery, ideal for escaping the intense noon sun and the crowded tourist spots. Visitors can enjoy sea views, check out various exhibits, and stroll through the well-maintained gardens showcasing native plants. Don't miss the highlight: a beautiful butterfly garden.

Additionally, the towers and gardens are near the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach. This cemetery holds the graves of African individuals who perished after being freed from seized slave ships. In the summer of 1860, the U.S. Navy saved nearly 1,500 Africans from three U.S.-flagged ships participating in the illegal slave trade. The conditions on these ships were appalling, and many of the rescued, including men, women, and children, were in critical condition. The local community provided care, food, and clothing, but unfortunately, 294 of these individuals died due to illness.

During the Civil War, the fortifications at the site were expanded, and the African graveyard was gradually forgotten. In 1861, an Army Corps of Engineers map indicated the location of nine graves with the label “African Cemetery.” This map, along with radar, helped archaeologists rediscover the African Cemetery in Key West. The surviving Africans from this ordeal were eventually sent back to Liberia, a nation established for former American slaves, with support from the U.S. government. In 2001, Key West set up a historical marker and dedicated a small park in honor of those Africans.