“Operation Pedro Pan” was the largest exodus of unaccompanied children in the Western hemisphere – over 14,000 children fled Castro’s Cuba and arrived in Miami between Dec. 1960 – Oct. 1962.

Sites to discover Florida's unique history and culture
“Operation Pedro Pan” was the largest exodus of unaccompanied children in the Western hemisphere – over 14,000 children fled Castro’s Cuba and arrived in Miami between Dec. 1960 – Oct. 1962.
Key West’s history is rich in influences from its neighboring island countries. Be it from the Bahamas or Cuba, many records documenting this history can be found in the Monroe County Public Library Florida Room collection.
Cuban national hero Jose Marti’s historic visit to the Instituto San Carlos played an important role in the Cuban War of Independence .