History of Clarence S Higgs
Memorial Beach Park
Who was Mr. Higgs and why did they name a beach after him?
Clarence Higgs was a County Commissioner in the 1950 and 60’s. He was very well liked and served the citizens of Monroe County tirelessly. He was instrumental in getting funding for the not only the park but the hospital as well.
A Brief History
Higgs Beach has been a part of the fabric of Key West since the beginning. The original beach was much smaller and centered around end of Reynolds Street
During the 1800’s
In 1860, three slave ships were intercepted by the USN while en route to Cuba. The majority of the slaves were repatriated to Liberia; however 295 individuals died while on the island and were buried in unmarked graves. The first reference to the graveyard was noted on an ACOE map in 1861 (Tract 27) The best available historic information indicates the graves were located within the area we now call Higgs Beach.
Prior to the construction of the West Martello Tower in 1862, it was noted that the west tower would interfere with the African graveyard; however, these objections were over ruled and construction commenced.
Other construction disturbed the graveyard including the construction of a military RR to connect the two forts.
Barracks and radar antenna field
Pavilion
Second World War
After the Civil War and prior to WWII, life on the island progressed and at some point during this time,
Reynolds Street Pier was constructed, the original construction is purported to have used rails from Flager’s Railroad.
As part of the war effort, barracks were built and the radar antenna field was constructed as shown in this 1945 photograph.
The current pavilions were originally designed as gun bases (see right).
At the close of WWII, the barracks and housing were no longer needed at this location. Negotiations began with the US Navy to surplus part of the property and Improvements to the original beach area were completed.
Beach Gets Larger
1955 County constructed the seawall and enlarged the beach between White St Pier and West Martello. Click here to view the expansion plans.
Citizens Help Pier
Reynolds Street Pier had been battered by one too many storms, and gradually eroded to such a state that unless something significant was done, the pier would eventually be lost; less than 600 feet of the original 2000 feet remained.
The Friends of the Pier was formed in 1982, and it took them four years to work through government regulations, hold fund raisers and raise the conscience of the community. Their actions, along with the commitment of Willihemina Harvey, eventually encouraged the County to repair the old pier, although not to its original length.
The Friends disbanded in 1986 as their job was done. The County gave its commitment to keep the pier intact and in good repair.
Other Improvements
The County was committed to a program of recreational facilities construction and beautification at Higgs Beach. Again the citizens rose to the occasion by donating plants and helping to design the improvements for the park.
1984 saw the addition of the tennis courts, parking areas and landscaping.
Of course the restaurant brought out the citizens as there was much discussion concerning the sales of alcohol at the proposed facility.
To Fence or Not
In late 1990,the County Commission erected a fencing around the park. A move was afoot to install gates at the White Street and Reynolds Street intersections with Atlantic Blvd. This was in response to issues that have plagued Higgs Beach, and still exist today -- vagrancy, safety, and adolescent mischief.
The fencing went up and the public was outraged. Having vehicular access to the beach won the day. The road remained open.
Concerned Citizens Rise Again
In 1999, the Friends of Higgs Beach Committee was formed. Among the many of the good deeds, the Friendsh have brought the citizens into the project, kept the concept of improvements to the park alive, and worked diligently to make this memorial beach a better place.