Key West Cemetery, Cemetery in Key West, United States

Key West Cemetery is a cemetery in Key West, United States, covering a large area with rows of above-ground tombs, family plots, and monuments. The grounds are divided by narrow lanes and shaded by trees, with sections that reflect different periods and communities of the island.

Established in the mid-19th century after a hurricane destroyed the original burial ground, the cemetery was moved to its current location on higher ground. Over time, it expanded with land purchases and now holds graves from many generations of island residents.

The cemetery is a living record of the island's diverse communities, with sections for Catholics, Jews, and others, and epitaphs that often carry a touch of local humor. Visitors can notice how family plots are tended and decorated, showing ongoing care and remembrance.

The cemetery is open to visitors during daylight hours, and walking shoes are recommended because some paths are uneven. It is a good idea to pick up a map at the entrance to find notable graves and to respect the privacy of any ongoing services.

One of the most visited graves bears the epitaph 'I told you I was sick', a phrase that has become a local curiosity. The cemetery also contains a memorial to the victims of the USS Maine explosion, a reminder of the island's naval connections.