Where and what is Key West, Florida?
| Key West is an island located in the Florida Keys, a 100
mile string of islets which extend south west from the southern part of
the state of Florida in the United States. |
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| The islands are connected by a scenic road and around 50
bridges. This is called the Overseas Highway. Key West is the last
island on the Overseas Highway and has the distinction of being the
southernmost point of the continental United States. The size of the
island is 1½ by 3½ miles. |
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| Key West is steeped in history. Due to its strategic
location it has played a strong military role with its Civil War era
forts (Fort Zachary Taylor and the Martello Towers) and natural deep
water port. |
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| Key West is flanked on the south by living reef which
proved beneficial the residents of the 1800's. A thriving wrecking
industry grew from the many sailing ships grounded on the reef. This
enabled Key West to become the wealthiest city in the state of Florida
during its hey day. |
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| Key west is now a major tourist attraction drawing
millions of tourists a year. Tourists flock to Key West in automobiles,
cruise ships, and airplanes to experience its quaint charm with its
unique style of island architecture and its eccentric artistic
lifestyle. The island is buzzing with activity with its proliferation of
bicycles, scooters, tourist trams and wandering tourists. |
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| Water sports are a big draw for Key West which is in an excellent
location for diving, fishing and boating. |
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| Key West is known as a Mecca for partiers who seek the
raucous night life. The main street of Old Town is Duval St. which is
the party center of the Universe with its numerous and diverse bars and
clubs. |
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| Key West has many other attractions for the casual tourist
such as a plethora of museums, sea food restaurants and of course the
world famous Sunset Celebration. |
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