Exploring Key West’s Bahamian Village

To the southwest of Duval Street is Key West’s Black community, known as the Bahamian Village, presumably because many of the city’s Black residents came from the Bahamas. The area is rich with architectural history, and worth a visit, despite being under attack from military base expansion at one end, and creeping gentrification at the other. Among the things worth seeing are the historic Key West Lighthouse, several old church buildings, the historic former Douglass High School, now used as a community center, and the Bahamian Market on Petronia Street, which sadly was closed in the evening when I walked past it. There are also several modern restaurants, a few boutiques, and a bed and breakfast called the Caribbean House. Although it’s a bit away from the usual tourist areas, the Bahamian Village is not to be missed.