Key West Cemetery

Take a tour of the Key West Cemetery in Key West, Florida. The building is a national landmark and an award-winning museum, serving as the official headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society. Experience two floors of exhibitions that weave together two centuries of history, art, people, and events.

The Key West Cemetery highlights:

• Cemetery maps are available at the front gate.
• Many tombs are stacked several high, condominium-style because the rocky soil made digging 6 feet under nearly impossible for early settlers.
• Within the compound, there are separate areas for Jewish and Catholic burials, while many of the Cuban crypts are crowned with a chicken statue associated with the Santeria religion. There is even a special burial area devoted to pets.
• In the eastern corner, near the intersection of Frances and Olivia streets, you’ll find some shaded benches that are a nice spot to relax.
• The benches are also located near the most frequently photographed epitaph in the cemetery, “I Told You I Was Sick”.
• Other interesting epitaphs include, “Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias,” “God Was Good to Me,” “Least I Know Where He Is Sleeping Tonight,” and “I’m Just Resting My Eyes.”
• Some of the monuments are stunning, like the Victorian angel belonging to Gladys Bates, the Egyptian revival Taylor family vault, and the haunting naked and bound woman atop the grave of Archibald Yates.

There’s more information about the Key West Cemetery on our audio tour