Founding of the Conch Republic
N 24° 33.562 W 081° 48.417
17R E 418281 N 2716397
Small plaque describing the actions behind the formation of the Conch Republic
Waymark Code: WM6HB5
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/05/2009
Views: 31
On April 18, 1982 at the head of the highway out of the Florida Keys, the United States Border Patrol established a road block. For the first time in the United States' history, an entire section of the country was officially treated as a foregin land. Returning travelers were required to prove United States citizenship and subjected to forced searches.
At noon on April 23, 1982 the Island of Key West, in a mock ceremony, declared its indemendence from the Unitd States by naming ministers of the new nation which it called "The Conch Republic" and by hoisting its own flag.
Founding Fathers
Dennis Wardlow
Dennis Bitner
William E Smith
Edwin O Swift III
Townsend Kieffer
John Maglioa
Dedicated April 25 1986 by Prime Minister and Mayor Tom Sawyer
Marker Number: none
Date: April 25, 1986
County: Monroe
Marker Type: City
Sponsored or placed by: Key West
Website: [Web Link]
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