Key West, AKA, the Conch Republic, is an island city at the southernmost end of an island chain known as the Florida Keys, in the U.S. State of Florida. Lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its party atmosphere, coral reefs, destinations for diving and snorkeling, than for its beaches.
A Little History
Key West, like the other Florida Keys, began as a coral forest under the sea water, marine life was its population. As the polar ice caps reformed and the sea level dropped, terrestrial plant and animal life found its way. Soil was formed by decaying organic matter and storm actions. For millenniums the ocean continued to drop and the ocean currents, wind currents, birds, et-cetera, continued to propagate the islands. Eventually humans found their way. This pyramiding of trillions of life cells, along with the forces of nature, produced an island called Cayo Hueso by early Spanish travelers.
The history of Key West is much like the rest of the Keys until 1821. Its natural deep water port was the deepest port between New Orleans and Norfolk, Virginia. Key West quickly became an economic center, was settled rapidly and became Florida's largest populated city. It had professional residents such as doctors, lawyers, insurance representatives, politicians, military personnel, journalists, publishers, etc. most of whom by vocation made some written documentation. These documentations have made Key West history easier to be 'history', not fable. Politically, Key West was Monroe County. In population alone it overwhelmed all the remaining Keys for about a century and a half. Therefore, the following is nowhere a complete outline of its history.
Shipwrecks and Salvage
Many Bahamians fled here during the 1830s and these people were commonly called Conchs (a term which is still used as a nickname for Key West locals today). Industries like fishing and salt production were big business in the 19th century. By 1860, Key West had developed into one of the richest cities in the United States. Today's Old Town still preserves much history from this era. There are well-articulated tours of the city, or alternatively, you can visit the Museum of Art and History at the Customs House on Front Street.
During the 1800s, salvaging became one of the most important industries in Key West. At one stage, houses here were renowned for containing stunningly manufactured furniture, chandeliers and other expensive items salvaged from local shipwrecks. The city's Shipwreck Museum provides tourists with a detailed look at the influences of shipwrecks on the city.
A Winter Haven
Author Ernest Hemingway spent much of his life residing in his winter home in Key West. Several US Presidents also favored the city, especially, Harry S. Truman. The city became a popular destination for celebrities too, either to reside or holiday in, especially after the Overseas Highway was constructed. The Hemingway House is available for tours, and visitors can even see a descendant of his famous 'seven-toed' cat, Snowball. The annual Hemingway look-alike competition is a highlight on the city's events calendar. Among the many things Hemingway brought to Key West, one of his lesser-known contributions to the island is the famous polydactyl, six-toed cats. On his move to the Keys, Hemingway brought with him a white six-toed cat by the name of Snow White. Today, the Hemingway Home and Museum is home to about 50 six toed cats. Key West’s most furry and cuddly residents can been seen in a variety of breeds from calico to tabby on a visit to Hemingway’s former home.
Key West Today
Take a stroll around the streets of Key West and you might notice some unusual inhabitants: chickens! hens and roosters have called Key West home for decades, roaming around the streets and crowing at passersby. Even Duval Street, one of the busiest parts of town, will see countless chickens clucking around. Some might find these town residents to be a nuisance, but most see them as a bright addition to the local color.
Don’t be fooled by the Florida address, Key West is actually closer to Cuba than the city of Miami. As showcased on the Southernmost Point Buoy, Key West is just 90 miles away from the coast of Cuba, while Miami is a whopping 150 miles further north. Our close proximity to Cuba has infused the island with a unique blend of Cuban culture, seen most notably in the deliciously authentic Cuban restaurants.
Restaurants and Bars
Key West has loads of things to do and see.
If you're headed to Key West for a few days to enjoy the laid back vibe and delicious island cuisine and have a few drinks, here are 10 hot spots to put on your list.
Ocean Grill & Bar, 1075 Duval St, 305-296-4300
Mangoes, 700 Duval St, 305-294-8002
Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St, 305-440-2270
Garbo’s Grill, 409 Caroline St, 305-304-3004
Stoned Crab’s Eco-Bar, 3101 North Roosevelt Blvd, 305-296-1043
The Thirsty Mermaid, 521 Fleming St, 305-204-4828
Latitudes, 245 Front St, 305-292-5300
Bliss Restaurant Key West, 411 Petronia St, 305-240-1281
Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St, 305-294-6133
Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St, 305-296-2388
There are lots of attractions in Key West, here are some links to tourist attractions and things to do.
https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/key-west.html
https://www.keywesttravelguide.com/
From the moment your plane lands or you pass mile marker zero, you become part of a special fraternity; Those living on Island Time.
Just Go For It, A Life Of Travel Adventure Awaits!
~Chaz~
"I want to get to Key West, and away from it all"
~Ernest Hemingway~
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