Happy Hour with the Historian: Spanish-American War in Key West

The Key West Art & Historical Society is excited to offer a series of fun historical lectures entitled ‘Happy Hour with the Historian’.

Historian: Cori Convertito Ph.D.
Topic: The Spanish-American War in Key West

In 1898, Florida became a focal point of national attention as the Spanish-American War began. Just 90 miles from Cuba, the state played a key role due to its proximity and its large Cuban-American population. Many Cuban immigrants in Florida, especially in cities like Tampa and Key West, actively supported Cuban independence by organizing fundraisers and rallies to build support for the war.

Florida’s port cities quickly became major staging areas for U.S. troops heading to Cuba. Key West, in particular, served as a critical military hub, with its harbor bustling with ships, soldiers, and supplies bound for the front lines.

This presentation will offer an overview of Florida’s involvement in the Spanish-American War, highlighting Key West’s vital contribution to the war effort.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts