Key West


An Island of Tradition
Incorporated in 1828, Key West, the westernmost of the populated Keys, is a small island two by five miles in size, surrounded by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and situated 120 miles southwest of mainland Florida and 90 miles north of Cuba.  Getting to Key West can be by automobile over U.S. Route 1( the "Overseas Highway"), by cruise ship or boat via Ocean or Gulf, or by private or commercial aircraft into Key West International Airport. The Overseas Highway is a roadway of bridges and small islands built along the track bed of the Florida East Coast Railway, an engineering marvel completed in 1912 by Henry Morrison Flagler.  The railroad, termed the "7th Wonder of the World" in 1912, was destroyed in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, yet much of the old track bed serves today as the road bed of the Overseas Highway. 

Living in Key West is a Very special experience.  The city has a population of around 28,000, and another 6500 people live here in the winter time.  Thousands of visitors come to Key West each year.  The incredibly clear waters around the island are a strong draw for those who love diving, fishing, sail boating, and wind surfing.  The island has a wide ofering of museums and cultural venues including art, theatre, and symphony.  There is a virtual "painter's palate" of architectural styles in "Old Town", the original core of Key West.  Among the historic homes here are those of Ernest Hemingway, John J. Audibon, and Harry S. Truman's "Little White House".  Several of these homes are now open to the public.  Tours around town by bicycle, on foot, or on the popular "Conch Train" trolley come with fascinating explanations of the history, treasures, mysteries, and culture of this fine old city. 

Old town offers a smorgasboard of art galleries, shops, and dining establishments for just about every taste.  There are the legendary nightclubs and bars, including Sloppy Joe's, the Green Parrott, Hog's breath Saloon, and the Hard Rock Cafe'.  Whatever your lifestyle, Key West has something special for you. 

Key West was  a Northern Army outpost during the War Between the States, and has been a home for the military since the days of the Spanish American War.  The Key West Naval air Station is today a major presence and economic force in the city.  Ship salvaging, sponging, lobstering, cigar making, and pirating have all been significent enterprises here over the years.  Still around town you will find a perfumery, cigar making, faabric printing, jewelry making, and sandal makers.  Among our main attractions is the world-renowned Mel Fisher Treasure Salvors Museum, offering display anad sales of recovered treasure from the wreck of the famed Atocha.

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