Get to Know Key West
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I have been a life long Floridian, born and raised in the Sunshine State. That being said it took me 29 years to visit the ever popular Key West. As the southernmost point of the continental United States, it’s quite a journey… Even from St. Pete. While I know plenty who opt to drive the seven plus hour trip, we hopped on a Silver Airways flight and was there in under an hour. Since I’ll be sharing my travel for the next few days, I thought it would be fun to get things started by formally introducing you to the Conch Republic.
Conchs are a running theme.
Pronounced Conk. They are everywhere around Key West and it’s easy to see why. Anyone born on the island is instantly labeled a conch, but the history is much deeper than that. Early inhabitants of the island, like the Calusa tribe, would use the conch shell as a means of communication by blowing into it like a trumpet. More still, in 1982 the island decided to secede from the United States to protest the blockades and checkpoints on the only road out of town. The Conch Republic was born and that free-spirited mentality never left. Conch is also a delicacy here. From fritters to chowder, let yourself indulge in some Key West flavor.
It’s a favorite among writers.
The most notable writers in residence would have to be Ernest Hemingway. His image is all over and you can visit so many places of interest related to him. The Hemingway House, where he lived for most of the 1930s, is one of the major tourist destinations in town. The list of famous writers who called Key West home is even longer. Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, and Jimmy Buffet all have a special place in local history. Currently, two beloved children’s authors, Eric Carle and Judy Blume live on this tiny slice of Florida.
It’s the southernmost point… Sort of!
The most photographed spot in all of Key West is the Southernmost Point Buoy. I just had to stop by, but there’s something you instantly notice… There’s land farther south just on the other side of the water. I think the more accurate description would be the southernmost public point. Truman Annex is a neighborhood and military annex on the southern side of the island but is not a public space. It’s also important to note that Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US. South Point, Hawaii carries the crown as the southernmost point of the United States.
There is so much history in Key West!
Originally explored by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1521, the town of Key West wasn’t developed until the 1820s and 30s. Because of the fishing and salt production industries, it was actually one of the wealthiest towns in the country during the 1860s. When the Overseas Highway was finally built in the 1930s, tourism boomed in Key West and has remained one of the top industries ever since. While wandering the cities, you see the historical influences from the bygone years. Drink them in!
There is truly no place on Earth quite like Key West. To really get to know this piece of Florida, you’ll just have to visit it and see for yourself.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.