This beautiful home is located at 227 Duval Street, at the corner of Duval and Caroline.  The current structure was built in 1887 by Charles Curry, son of Florida’s first millionaire William Curry.  It is by far one of the grandest homes built by the Curry children.  The original structure was built in 1885 but was then destroyed by the fire of 1886.

Dr. Joseph Norman Fogarty purchased the home in 1900 for his new bride, Corinne; who was Charles’ daughter. Dr. Fogarty was the mayor of Key West for an unprecedented six terms.  He served from 1907 to 1915, you will also note there is a street in town named after Dr. Fogarty.

The home was the place of two very famous receptions.  These were during Dr. Fogarty’s last year as mayor.  The first reception was held on January 22, 1912 for Henry Flagler to celebrate the completion of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad.

(credit: JuneInParadise.blogspot.com)

The second reception was on December 21, 1912 for President Taft as he stopped in Key West on his way to an inspection of the Panama Canal.

After the Fogarty’s passed, the house fell into disrepair.  In 1971, John and Dolly Dedek purchased the home.  They restored it into the Fogarty House 1875 Restaurant.  In 2003, Tropical Soup Corp. opened the current Fogarty’s restaurant you visit today.

Fogarty’s Today

Today, you can enjoy a wonderful meal on the outside patio under the shade of umbrellas.  Or, step next door and enjoy an adult frozen concoction from the Flying Monkeys Saloon.  They are indeed world famous for their frozen drinks!

In the mood to do a little shopping, then be sure to drop into the Monkey Store, you will not be disappointed.

The patio of Fogarty’s offers the perfect location to people watch those walking down Duval.  Enjoy a cocktail and light snack while you enjoy the wonders and people that are Key West.

(credit:  KeyWestHistoricMarkerTour.org and FogartysofKeyWest.com)