Key West, Florida

Originally called Cayo Hueso (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkaʝo ˈweso]), or “bone reef”, Key West is the southernmost tip of the United States, the last of the Keys extending Florida deep into the Gulf of Mexico. (1)

The Conch Republic (1)

In 1982, after a protest over a federal border blockade on US1, , the city of Key West declared asserted independence as the Conch Republic. The annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration occurs on April 23.

Los Martires (2)

circa 1510, Ponce De Leon’s sailors first saw the Florida Keys, and called them “Los Martires”, the Martyrs. Legends say that the name came because the mangrove roots climbing up from the water looked like tortured souls of men. Less legendary is that they were named after Peter Martyr, a cartographer, who in 1511 created a map indicating Florida as the mythical island of Bimini

Wreckage and Riches

in the late 1820’s recovery, wrecking and salvage from crashed ships becomes a lucrative business. Local successes lead Key West to become one of the richest areas per capita in the United States. Although a legal trade, rumor were rampant of ships being led to their doom by enterprising businessmen.

Civil War on the Island

During the U.S. Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor remained in Union hands and helped defeat the Confederate Navy. Not surprisingly, the city remained divided throughout the war.When the war ends, the business of salvaging failed blockade-runners comes to and end.

Literary Key West

A who’s who of writers and creators have found inspiration on the island, ranging from Ernest Hemingway (1928-1940), Teneesse Williams (1947)

Disaster

Key West has suffered its share of disasters. The 1935 Labor Day hurricane destroyed the Overseas railroad and killed hundreds. The railroad was not rebuilt and the island took additional losses in The Great Depression.

The Conch Republic

In 1982, a federal blockade leads to the “succession” of Key West from the United States under the banner of The Conch Republic. While declared by the mayor, the US never responded, leaving The Conch Republic an existing entity under international law. With an independence day still celebrated on April 23rd, it also includes an official foreign policy of “The Mitigation of World Tension Through the Exercise of Humor.”