Key West the southern most point of the United states is nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. With 28,000 permanent residents, this four by 2 mile island is the Caribbean island paradise that you drive to. Surrounded by the only living coral reef in North America Key West is located 150 miles from Miami and only 90 from Cuba. The island attracts visitors from all over the country and world. With its diverse population and diverse attraction Key West has something to offer for all. With 63 hotels and 127 guest houses there are plenty of places to choose from but be sure to reserve ahead of time. With an average temp of 80 degrees Key west is beautiful to visit all year round.

History

Key West has a long and interesting past starting with its discovery by the European, Ponce de Leon in 1815. The name Key West comes from the Spanish translation of the original name Cayo Huesco (Isle of Bones) named for all the remains that were found on the Island from an Indian battlefield. Jean Pablo Solas had received Key West as payment from the Spanish Government. In 1821 John Simonton purchased Key West from Solas for $2,000.

After Key West was transferred to the United States from Spain a navel base was established to try and stop the piracy. Since that time the US Navy has always been a strong presence in Key West and a major factor in the growth of Key West.

In the 1800's Pirates were at large in the Florida waters. Killing crew members and passengers stealing valuable cargo. In 1822 Congress ordered that all pirates be eradicated in the Florida area. The pirates ships were burned and those that did not leave, killed. It took less than 2 years to make the surrounding waters safe once again. In 1823 only 100 people lived in Key West, by 1830 the number was at 500.

In the 1900's Key West profitable ship wrecking industry was at large. For approximately 25 years New England Seaman along with the Bahamian settlers created Key West first major industry by salvaging cargo from the treacherous reefs that surround Key West. But as lighthouses became more common, the salvage business lost its profitability.

In 1905 Henry Flagler made his plans known for the railroad to link Key West with the rest of Florida. Over 40 bridges had to be built including the famous 7 mile bridge. The railroad took 7 years to complete, covered 140 miles and cost over $125 to complete. Over 200 men lost their lives during the construction due to hurricanes and other tragedies. In the 1940's the sponging industry was born as to this day is the only major industry from the 1900's that has survived. As long as the medical pharmaceutical industry has need for sponges it will always be a Key West industry

On April 23, 1982 in response to a United States Border Patrol blockade of the Florida Keys the Conch Republic was born. A history and position paper from the hastily-formed Conch Republic's Office of the Secretary General states that because the United States government treated the Keys like a foreign country, then-Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow seceded from the Union, declared war, surrendered and demanded foreign aid. During the intervening years, the U.S. never reacted to the secession, thereby establishing the sovereignty for the Conch Republic under International Law governing "adverse possession between sovereign nations." The Conch Republic celebrates its independence annually in during a pubic a ten-day celebration.

Museums

Even though Key West is only an island that's four miles wide by two miles long there are several historical locations to visit:

Recommended Key West Museums

Restaurants

Key West has a wide selection of resataurants from steakhouses to seafood. With so many great restaurants to choose from, where do you start?  Follow the link for some of our favorites:

Recommended Key West Restaurants

Great coupons with your reservation package.