The Florida Keys and the Cuban Missile Crisis: On the Front Lines of History

In October 1962, the world stood on the edge of nuclear war. The Cuban Missile Crisis was unfolding, and tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union reached a dangerous high. Most people remember Washington and Moscow in the headlines — but few know how central the Florida Keys were to this historic moment.

Close to Cuba, Closer to Conflict

The Florida Keys are just 90 miles from Cuba. That made them one of the closest U.S. territories to Soviet missiles stationed on the island.

As soon as American spy planes confirmed the presence of those missiles, the U.S. military began to act — fast. Key West, in particular, became a critical location. Troops arrived. Planes filled the runways. Naval ships lined the nearby waters. The Naval Air Station Key West became a launch point for surveillance and defense.

Military Presence Ramped Up

Over a few tense days, thousands of soldiers, airmen, and Marines moved into the Keys. Roads were filled with military vehicles. Locals watched as helicopters and jets flew overhead. Many feared that war was not just possible — it was imminent.

The U.S. Navy sent ships to create a blockade, stopping Soviet vessels from reaching Cuba. The Florida Straits, the waters between the Keys and Cuba, became a narrow line between peace and disaster.

Life in the Keys During the Crisis

For people living in the Florida Keys, daily life changed overnight. Schools discussed evacuation plans. Families stocked up on supplies. Rumors of air raids and missile strikes spread quickly.

Still, many residents stayed calm. Some had lived through hurricanes and knew how to prepare for emergencies. But even the calmest among them understood — this was different.

A Turning Point in History

After 13 days of standoff, diplomacy won. The Soviet Union agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba. In return, the U.S. promised not to invade the island and later removed missiles from Turkey.

The world breathed a sigh of relief. So did the residents of the Florida Keys.

Why It Still Matters

Today, you can visit military sites in Key West and learn more about how close the region came to war. The story of the Cuban Missile Crisis isn’t just one of global politics. It’s also a story of local communities — like those in the Florida Keys — that quietly stood on the front lines of history.

Just 90 miles from Cuba, the Florida Keys played a major role in one of the tensest moments of the 20th century. Their place in Cold War history deserves to be remembered.