The Tradition Behind Being Given the Key to the City

Key to the City Facts

Imagine some gives you the key to the city! All the doors are open, you’re free from the law, you can come and go as you please!

Er, not really though. In fact, the key to the city once had historical roots, but now it’s no longer all it’s cracked up to be.

Continue reading and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this once great honor.

History of the Key to the City

Back in medieval times, most cities were surrounded by walls. And for good reason too! Unprotected cities were at risk of marauding barbarians, massive beasts, and unscrupulous guests.

The walls were a way to enforce who could come and go. They kept out the dangerous, the contagious, and those who weren’t good enough to enter the city. The walls kept people safe as guards could remove any weapons that came into the city.

The key to the city allowed the holder to come and go as they pleased. They could open the city gates whenever they needed to. At the time, this was a great honor, and full of freedom.

Officials gave the key to visiting officials, military personnel, and Freeman. The key ensured the “freeman” would be free from serfdom (a form of slavery.) Freeman no longer holds any meaning in today’s society.

Giving the key to the military was a big deal. In ancient Rome, military personnel lost their status when they entered the gate. They assumed citizen dress and had to abide by all the citizens’ laws. They even had to follow the ones military were normally exempt from.

The key to the city allowed the military to enter the city, fully armed with flags flying and drums beating. This was a huge sign of trust. It was also an understanding that the military would not use the privilege against the city later on.

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Does The Key to the City Do Anything?

Back in the day, the key to the city was a powerful resource, as it allowed free access through the city gate. Since then, society has become more civil and safe, and nearly all cities have forgone their walls.

So what about now? Does the Key to the City do anything?

No, not really. In fact, you could get more places by learning to pick locks, or by becoming a locksmith. (Learn more about hiring a reliable locksmith here.)

The key to the city is a civil honor. The recipient may receive a symbolic key or a certificate to symbolize the honor. But it doesn’t have any real sway. It doesn’t open doors or allow the holder any special privileges.

Receiving the key does make the recipient an honorary citizen of the city. It says the holder is welcome to come and go as they please. But thanks to modern society, most people can come and go through any city as they please anyway.

Why Do People Get the Key to the City?

Most people who receive the key to the city are typically celebrities in their hometowns. Sometimes special dignitaries or people who have done something honorable receive the key.

For example, in 2009 Chesley B. Sullenberger III received the key to the city. His plane collided with birds, and they kept the engines from running. He safely landed a plane holding 155 people on the Hudson River, saving the lives of everyone on board. The First Officer, Jeffrey B. Skiles, and flight attendants (Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent) also received keys.

But a lot of the time this honor is more of a publicity stunt. Mayors like to draw attention to the fact that well-known people were born, or live in, their city.

For example, the Kardashian-Jenner family received the key to Beverly Hills in 2010. Members of the Jackson 5 were awarded the key to Gary, Indiana – their hometown. Why? Because Beverly Hills and Gary, IN want people to know that these celebrities have ties to that city.

But people can also get the key to the city for charitable donations. That’s how the Kardashian-Jenner family received theirs. Usher received a key to New Orleans in recognition of his charitable work.

As wealthy families, charitable donations can be an easy way to snag this honor.

Who Has the Key to the City?

There are a ton of people who have the key to various cities. There’s not really any criteria to give the honor, but recipients are still a (sort of) mixed bunch.

For example, the Queen of England was awarded a key to Long Beach in 1983.

27 Victoria’s Secret Angels were given the key to Los Angelas in 2006.

Pitbull received the key to Kodiak, Alaska.

But Saddam Hussein was given the key to Detroit in the 1980s. He donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a local church. The same Saddam Hussein the U.S. would later fight in the Iraq war.

Celebrities are now typically the most common recipient, but not always.

You can find a full list of key recipients here.

The Key to the City is More of a Publicity Stunt Now

What was once a great honor, receiving the key to the city is now more of a publicity stunt. Cities like to point to famous people they can tie their names to. Celebrities like receiving the honor.

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