Fogarty Mansion (Fogarty House) facts for kids
The Fogarty Mansion is a beautiful old house in Key West, Florida, United States. You can find it at 227 Duval Street. It's even marked as an important historical spot in Key West!
Contents
History of the Fogarty Mansion
Building the House
The first house on this spot was built in 1875 by a man named Charles Curry. But in 1886, a big fire swept through Key West and destroyed it. The house you see today was rebuilt in 1887. Charles Curry was the son of a very wealthy man named William Curry. Many of William Curry's children built large homes, just like this one.
Who Was Dr. Fogarty?
After Charles Curry passed away, his daughter Corinne received the house as a wedding gift in 1900. Her husband, Dr. Joseph Norman Fogarty, bought it for her. The house is now named after him!
Dr. Fogarty was an important person in Key West. He was the mayor when the Overseas Railroad was finished in 1912. This railroad was a huge deal because it connected the island of Key West to mainland Florida for the very first first time! Dr. Fogarty was mayor for six years. He was also known for hosting big parties and events at his home. For example, in 1912, he welcomed Henry Flagler, the person who built the Overseas Railroad. Later that year, he hosted William Howard Taft, who was the President of the United States at the time!
What is the Fogarty Mansion Today?
After the Fogarty family no longer lived there, the house became quite run down. In 1971, John and Dolly Dedek bought it. They turned it into a restaurant called the Fogarty House 1875 Restaurant.
Today, the historic house is home to Fogarty's Restaurant and the Flying Monkeys Saloon. Inside the Flying Monkeys Saloon, you can see a special artwork by a famous Key West artist known as Captain Outrageous.
