1935 Labor Day hurricane Memorial

The Labor Day hurricane Memorial was finished in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration and designed by the Florida Division of the Federal Art Project. The memorial is made from Keys limestone or "keystone" and a frieze depicts curling palm trees and waves bent in the wind.

The hurricane was the first category five of the 20th century with winds of 185 mph and a storm surge of 18 to 20 feet. The hurricane remains the third most intense storm with its central pressure at 892 hPa and highest wind speed recorded.

Over 400 people were lost to the storm including more than 200 WWI vets who were stationed at a work camp. Ashes from those who perished are held in a stone crypt under the monument.