Today in History

April 23, 1982

Founding of the Conch Republic

Drug smuggling and illegal immigration during the early 1980's found a home in southern Florida. The United States Border Patrol set up a roadblock and an inspection point in Key West to stop vehicles for searches. Both local citizens and tourists were greatly inconvenienced. Delays became so notorious that commercial airline traffic actually increased to the community to avoid the checkpoint. The Key West City Council complained to no avail.

April 23, 1982, Mayor Dennis Wardlow and the Key West City council declared Key West's "independence" from the United States, and set up the Conch Republic. Then newly-formed nation declared war on the United States and then surrendered one minute later and applied for one billion dollars in war reparations and federal aid.

The mock secession and declaration of war was a runaway hit of a publicity stunt. The federal roadblocks were removed, Key West received millions of dollars of free publicity and tourism increased. Each April 23 thereafter, the community celebrates its independence day with parades and ceremonies.

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