Explore the map of Key West, Florida Key West is a small island city in the United States. It is located at the southernmost point of Florida, and it's part of a group of islands called the Florida Keys. These islands stretch into the ocean from the southern coast of Florida. Key West is famous for being only about 90 miles away from Cuba, making it closer to this neighboring country than to Miami, a major city in Florida. The island is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. This location makes Key West a popular spot for tourists who enjoy beaches, water sports, and warm weather.
Explore map of Florida Key West showing major roads, other roads, point of interests, airports, forests, national parks, hotels and resorts.
About Key West
Key West, Florida, stands out as a beacon of leisure, adventure, and rich history at the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Its geographical position provides it with a subtropical climate that makes it an attractive destination year-round, offering warm, sunny days that are ideal for exploring the outdoors and its pristine waters.
The history of Key West is as colorful as its coral reefs. Established in 1822, the island has been home to a variety of cultures, including Native Americans, Spanish explorers, and British settlers, which have all contributed to its diverse heritage. This eclectic past is vividly displayed in the architecture, museums, and the vibrant atmosphere that permeates the city.
One of Key West's most famous residents was Ernest Hemingway, who lived on the island in the 1930s. His home, now a museum, not only pays tribute to his life and work but also houses the descendants of his famous six-toed cats. The literary culture continues to be celebrated annually during the Hemingway Days Festival, drawing visitors and writers from all over.
Key West is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its coral reefs which are part of the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. The Key West National Wildlife Refuge and the Dry Tortugas National Park offer unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and observing a variety of marine life in their natural habitats.
Sustainability and preservation of its natural and historical assets are central to the community of Key West. Efforts to protect its coral reefs, the implementation of environmentally friendly practices, and the promotion of green tourism are a testament to the island's commitment to ensuring it remains a paradise for future generations.
For those looking to soak up some sun, the beaches of Key West are hard to beat. Smathers Beach, the largest public beach in the area, offers a multitude of water sports and is perfect for a day of relaxation under the palm trees. Meanwhile, Mallory Square provides one of the best sunset views in the world, accompanied by the nightly Sunset Celebration, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy live entertainment, street art, and local cuisine.
Key West’s culinary scene reflects its melting pot culture, with a focus on fresh seafood and Caribbean influences, ensuring that every meal is a unique experience. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
History of Key West
Key West, Florida, stands as a beacon of rich history and cultural diversity, nestled at the southernmost tip of the Continental United States. Its unique position not only makes it a geographical novelty but also a key player in the tapestry of American history. The island, measuring about 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, has been inhabited for thousands of years, first by the Calusa people, reflecting an early chapter of human settlement in the region.
The modern story of Key West began in the 1820s after Spain ceded Florida to the United States. It swiftly gained importance due to its strategic location along the shipping routes to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. This led to the establishment of a U.S. naval base in the 1820s, marking the beginning of Key West's long-standing relationship with the military, a relationship that would shape its economic and social structures for decades to come.
By the mid-19th century, Key West emerged as a wealthy and bustling port city, thanks in part to its thriving shipwreck salvaging operations. This somewhat morbid industry proved to be incredibly lucrative, as the dangerous reefs surrounding the island caused numerous shipwrecks. Salvage crews based in Key West would race to these wrecks to rescue the crew and cargo, earning a significant portion of the value for their efforts.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the introduction of industries such as cigar manufacturing, which brought thousands of Cuban immigrants to the island, significantly influencing its cultural and social landscape. This period also marked the construction of the Overseas Railroad by Henry Flagler, an ambitious project that connected Key West to the mainland via a series of bridges and causeways, ushering in a new era of accessibility and economic opportunity.
However, the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 devastated this railway, ending Flagler’s dream but opening a new chapter as the Overseas Highway was built in its place, transforming Key West once again. This transformation was not just physical but also cultural, as Key West began to evolve into a haven for artists, writers, and creative minds seeking inspiration from its tropical climate and picturesque landscapes. Perhaps the most famous of these figures was Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West during the 1930s and drew inspiration from its vibrant setting for some of his work.
Today, Key West is celebrated not only for its scenic beauty and lively atmosphere but also for its Historical District, which houses over 3,000 wooden buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, one of the largest such collections in the US. Its history is a compelling blend of maritime heritage, military significance, cultural amalgamation, and artistic inspiration, making it a unique destination that captivates visitors from around the world.
Key West also holds a special place in the annals of U.S. presidential history. It was here that President Harry S. Truman established his winter White House, the Truman Little White House, which now serves as a museum and public attraction, highlighting Key West's importance as a site of presidential retreat and decision-making.
