World War I veterans working under the Florida Emergency Relief Administration were building piers in channel 2 just below Lower Matecumbe when a devastating hurricane struck the Keys on September 2, 1935, with winds of more than 200 miles per hour, a barometer reading of 26.35, and 18-foot tidal waves that destroyed everything on the Matecumbes and Windley Key. Many bodies were cremated where they were found and their ashes later placed in a crypt; approximately 300 remains are here, with 38 cremated at Snake Creek, 136 on Upper Matecumbe, and 82 on Lower Matecumbe, while other bodies were found on islands in Florida Bay and on the mainland from east of Flamingo to Cape Sable. The first bodies were taken to Woodlawn cemetery in Miami, but after the fourth day Dade County refused to let the dead enter and the rest were cremated. On November 14, 1937, a monument built by the Florida Works Progress Administration at a cost of $12,000 using 40 workmen was dedicated to the veterans building bridges, local residents, visitors, and railway employees who died in the storm. Built of Keys coral limestone, it measures 65 feet long by 20 feet wide, contains a crypt dug into the bedrock and extending above the floor, is covered by a 22-foot ceramic map of the Keys centered on Matecumbe, and includes a 12-foot coral stone shaft with a carved sculpture and bronze plaque dedicated to the civilians and war veterans who lost their lives. Sponsored by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, with the property furnished by the School Board, the dedication drew about 4,000 people from across Florida. The ceremony began at 12:30 pm with the masting of the colors, music by the WPA symphony orchestra, an invocation by Rev. J. Yancy of the Matecumbe Methodist Church, singing led by Mrs. Charles Moon of Coral Gables, and remarks by WPA District Director Mr. Sandquist and Col. PJ O'Shaughnessy, who said that of the 270 people living in the hurricane area, 167 were missing. Lt. Thomas J. Kelly of the Harvey Seeds Post American Legion of Miami protested building more sepulchers for the dead instead of protecting the living, and Dr. John Tigert, president of the University of Florida, read a telegram from President Franklin D. Roosevelt expressing sympathy for those who lost loved ones. Fay Marie Parker, age 9, unveiled the monument, veterans and patriotic groups placed wreaths at the crypt, the Russell family survivors honored the 50 family members they had lost, and the ceremony ended with the "Star Spangled Banner."