The History of the Conch Republic – 1982 to Present

Let’s review the interesting and often misunderstood history of the Conch Republic. While many consider the Conch Republic a physical place on a map, true Conchs realize that it’s more so a state of mind, intended to be enjoyed by all who share the like-minded principles of Conch Republic citizens.

Contents

• Leading Up to the Revolution
• The Conch Revolution
• Post-Revolution Conch Republic
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Conch Republic, whose capital city lies in Key West, an “outpost” of Florida, has in its DNA the ideals of independence and free thought. When Florida succeeded from the Union on January 10th, 1861 (in support of the Confederate States of America), Key West remained under Union control. In fact, Key West continued to remain under Union control throughout the US Civil War until Florida was readmitted to the United States on July 25, 1868.

Many wonder whether this odd set of events set the stage for later events which led to the succession of the Florida Keys over a century later.

The Tinder to the “War”

On April 18, 1982, in an effort to curb illegal immigrants from entering the USA, the federal government establishes a road block on USA just south of Florida City. A roadblock which was not again established in history until COVID 19. As Conch visitors and citizens passed from the mainland, their vehicles and belongings were searched. This act was perceived as one of aggression and acted as the true catalyst to succession. Impacts included:

• Personal rights violations
• Long travel delays (up to 17-mile long traffic jams were reported)
• Tourism took a dive (and ALL conchs rely on tourism for economic reasons)

There’s no doubt that the poorly planned immigration campaign (as most immigration campaigns are) not only didn’t prevent illegal immigration, but hurt US citizens.

Shortly after road blocks were put in place, community leaders from within the Conch Republic filed legal arguments to return things to normal with the removal of these nuisances. After loosing a legal battle on April 23,1982, Mayor Dennis Wardlow announced his intention to succeed from the United States, establishing himself as Prime Minister of a newly formed nation, The Conch Republic.

Mayor Dennis Wardlow

This is when things get interesting. Prime Minister Wardlow then declared war on the United States, where as legend goes Conchs (citizens of the new republic) used stale Cuban bread to attack many (or maybe just one) US Navy soldiers.

After one minute (or maybe less) of battle, the new Prime Minister surrendered and immediately applied for $1 billion in aid from the US government to “help rebuild our nation.” Brilliant!

It is thought that without the quick, creative, and free thinking and actions of Mayor Wardlow the blockade would have continued for many years to come. Instead, news of the Conch Revolution spread and quickly led to the removal of the blockade and a return to normal for Conchs.

Over the years, the legend of the Conch Revolution and the mentality of the Conch Republic has only grown stronger. As a Conch Citizen, the free-spirited beliefs which drove the revolution are a part of daily life. It’s why we Conchs love our land, water, and state of mind and will do so for generations to come.

Each year, in Key West and throughout the Florida Keys, Conchs celebrated the succession of the Conch republic. This comes in the form of local festivals, live music, and most importantly, the crowning of a new King each year. While Key West was the center of the revolution, these celebrations typically occur all the way north to Key Largo each year. In true Conch style, there is never any one king, but many. There is no one to rule, not are there any rules except one.

Be good to each other and live free.