Perry was commanding the U.S. schooner “Shark” and, having received his orders in February, proceeded to visit Key West and erect a flagpole flying the United States flag. The event was witnessed by local residents of the small community. Families had been moving to the area from other parts of Florida and other southeastern states since a territorial settlement program began in 1819. “Key West” is purported to be a mispronunciation of “Cayo Hueso,” the Spanish name meaning “Bone Key.”
~Florida Historical Society
