Key West
Key West is known as a tropical paradise located in the southernmost point of the United States. The island, or key, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant culture. I hadn’t been here since the 70s and much has changed. Everything is much more commercialized and built-up since my last visit. I found street parking a few blocks from the center of the old town. I brought my bicycle because I figured that would be my best chance to see all the things I wanted to see. I wouldn’t have enough time to see everything if I walked, and it would be difficult to find parking at all the spots.
In the end, I was faster on the bicycle than mopeds or electric carts which were both prevalent around the island.
Keys
A ranger told me the keys were not formed by a geological event like tectonic activity. Although, after reading a little about how keys are formed, it seems that tectonic movement can play a small role. Keys are low-lying islands formed from coral reefs or sand bars. They are typically found in tropical or subtropical regions and are formed by the gradual accumulation of sediment and organic material.
There are two main processes that can lead to the formation of a key island: accretion and uplift. Accretion is the accumulation of sediment and organic material, such as coral and shells, which is deposited by waves and currents. Over time, these materials accumulate and form a small island. The other process is uplift in which the land surface is raised due to tectonic activity or changes in sea level. In this case, a coral reef or sand bar may become exposed above the water's surface, forming a key island.
As vegetation takes root, the process seems to be accelerated.
Southernmost Point
For me, one of the must-see attractions in Key West was the southernmost point in the USA. Visitors can take a picture at the iconic buoy that marks the spot and take in the beautiful ocean views. There was a block long line to to get a selfie with the buoy. I didn’t want to wait in line, so I tried to get a photo of just the buoy between selfie photos. That proved to be difficult and people seemed upset that I wasn’t waiting an hour to get a photo of the buoy. In the end, I took a random photo of the next person in front of the buoy. She didn’t speak English.
I wasn’t aware of the Florida Curry Harris House, a Victorian-era house that has been converted into a museum. It was closed when I rode by, but I grabbed a photo and read the plaque out front. The house offers a glimpse into the life of the island's early settlers and seems to be a great place to learn about the island's history. I settled with looking it up on Wikipedia.
Island Chickens
Having the bicycle, I felt free to explore various neighborhoods that I probably wouldn’t see on foot or with the car. As I left the Southernmost Point, I took a few odd turns and suddenly came to a neighborhood with brightly colored chickens running freely. It seems they have a unique history that is closely tied to the island's past. The chickens are believed to have been brought to the island by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, and they have been a part of the island's landscape ever since.
Key West Feral Chicken
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the chickens were kept by residents for their eggs and meat. However, as the island's population grew, the chickens were no longer needed for food and many were set free. Over time, the feral chickens multiplied and became a common sight on the island. I would see more chickens as I rode. Someone told me that some consider them to be a part of the island's character and charm.
In recent years, the chickens have become a popular attraction for tourists visiting the island. They are often featured in photos and postcards and are considered a symbol of the island's laid-back, quirky atmosphere. Despite their popularity, the chickens have also been the subject of controversy. I’ve read that some residents have complained about the noise and mess that the chickens can create, and there have been efforts to control their population. There are many others that feel that the chickens are an important part of the island's identity and should be protected.
I found them to be a unique and fascinating aspect of the island’s history and culture. To some, they are a symbol of the island's wild, untamed spirit and a reminder of its past as a rural, agricultural community. With the pace of development in Key West, I wonder how long these chickens can last.
Walter R. Mickens VFW Post 6021
After World War II, returning African American veterans found themselves segregated and not welcomed in the the various Vetrans Organization and were forced to establish their own veterans’ association posts. I read the plaque in front of the VFW building and was interested in the number of famous black musicians that found their way to this venue. The list included, artists such as Otis Redding, B.B. King, James Brown, Ruth Brown, and Dinah Washington.
The venue is one of the best places to catch live music and features local bands and musicians playing a variety of genres. It also played a leading role during the integration of Monroe County public schools. The building continues to be a center for community services to vetrans.
This building didn’t appear on any itinerary and I wouldn’t have seen it if I hadn’t rode around neighborhoods to get a feel for the area.
Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1847 and is one of the oldest structures in Key West. The lighthouse is a white conical tower that stands 86 feet tall. It was built to guide ships through the treacherous waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969 after the construction of a new lighthouse nearby.
The lighthouse has had a complex history, it was abandoned for a period, it was used as a museum, and also had a period where it was used as a residence for the keepers of the lighthouse. Finally, in the late 90s, the lighthouse was restored and opened to the public as a museum. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Key West Lighthouse is now a museum and is open to the public daily. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist destination. I Tried to visit but it shutdown early for a wedding party.
Mile 0
I wanted to stop at Mile Zero in Key West because I know there are people that have walked from Key West to Maine along Route 1. Mile 0 is the starting point of the famous U.S. Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, which stretches from Key West all the way to Maine. The marker at Mile Zero is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and mark the beginning of their journey on the highway. There was a constant stream of visitors taking selfies while I was there.
The Mile Zero Shop, next to the Route 1 street sign, is a popular souvenir shop located on the corner of the street. The shop offers a wide variety of souvenirs, such as t-shirts, hats, keychains, magnets, and other items that commemorate the visitor's trip to Key West and its significance as the southernmost point of the US mainland. I purchased a decale Visitors can also find a variety of postcards and maps of the island and the highway, which can serve as a guide for their trip.
The Mile Zero Shop and Mallory Square are also popular shopping destinations. Visitors can find a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts at these locations.
Military History
I saw many military points of interest throughout Key West. It has a rich military history and has played an important role in protecting the United States throughout the years. The island's strategic location at the southernmost point of the mainland has made it a crucial military base during times of war.
One of the most significant military sites on the island is the Naval Depot and Storehouse, which was built in the late 1800s and served as a supply and repair facility for the U.S. Navy. During World War II, the base played a crucial role in protecting the island and the surrounding waters from enemy attack. The depot has been preserved and converted into shops and a museum, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the island's military history and the role that the base played in protecting the country.
I rode to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, which is located at the southern tip of the island. The fort was built in the 1850s and played a key role in the Civil War, as well as in the Spanish-American War. They were closing when I arrived. Visitors can take a tour of the fort and see the various cannons, bunkers, and other military equipment that were used to protect the island.
The Coast Guard Ship in Key West is a historic vessel that is open to visitors. The ship is a cutter, which is a type of naval vessel that is used for a variety of tasks, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime security operations. The ship is an active vessel and is homeported in Key West, and visitors can take a tour of the ship and learn about its history and capabilities. Visitors can see the ship's bridge, where the captain and crew navigate the vessel, the engine room, where the ship's propulsion systems are located and the living quarters where the crew sleeps and eats. Visitors can also see the ship's armaments, communication systems, and other equipment that are used in its operations.
In addition to these sites, the island is also home to several monuments and memorials that commemorate the military history of Key West. Visitors can find monuments dedicated to veterans, war heroes, and other important figures who have served their country.
I realized that there is a rich military history on the island and one could spend several days visiting the monuments, reading plaques and in general getting acquainted with this deep history. Perhaps the subject of my next trip.
Cruise Ships
I’ve never had the desire to take a cruise, but I still fascinated by the size and number of people these massive ships can carry. Having seen first hand on PEI in Canada what can happen when multiple cruise ships dock unexpectidely swelling the population of a town by well over 10,000 people. Key West is a popular port of call for cruise ships, and many cruise lines include the island in their Caribbean itineraries. I’m told that cruise ships that stop in Key West are typically large, modern vessels that are equipped with a wide range of amenities and facilities.
Cruise ships that stop in Key West also offer a variety of shore excursions and activities for visitors. Visitors can take a tour of the island, visit the southernmost point in the US, go snorkeling or diving, or take a sunset sail. Visitors can also explore the island's historic sites and monuments, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and take a guided tour of the island's famous landmarks, such as the lighthouse and the naval depot.
I sat on shore, mesmerized, as one large ship guided itself out of port using propulsion on all sides without the use of tugboats. I could see people relaxing in lounge chairs with cocktails in hand preparing for the sunset that would inevitably happen in a few hours.
Sunset
I knew when the sun was going to set and gave myself an extra 30 minutes to find a place. Watching the sunset in Key West is a popular and iconic activity. People jam the wharf near Mallory Square on the western side of the island to witness the stunning colors of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon. There are plenty of boat tours, providing spectacular views from the water, where visitors can see the sun setting over the ocean.
The crowds that gather to watch the sunset are large and diverse, comprising people of all walks of life. Many people gather at the wharf, where street performers and vendors offer entertainment and refreshments. The atmosphere is lively and festive, as people chat and take in the view.
As the sun was beginning to set, there were many sailboats lining up in the distance to get a direct view of the sun. This made for interesting photographs. Somehow, as the sun touched the horizon, there was a collective sigh from the assembled crowd.
Fascinatingly, as the sun sets, the crowds on the wharf dispersed quickly. The sun had more colors to offer as is sank below the horizon, but most in the crowd would miss this show. The majority of the people tend to head back to their hotels or to restaurants and bars to continue their evening.
The sunset in the Southernmost part of the USA, is special. The island's tropical climate and location on the ocean make it an ideal spot to catch the sunset, and the lively atmosphere and sailboats make it an even more memorable experience.
Music Scene
Key West is also known for its live music scene. Visitors can find a variety of local bands playing at bars and restaurants throughout the island. Much of the live music takes place in open bars and the acts can be seen and heard from the street. I wasn’t the only one that stopped and took in live music on the street.
Lights At Night
As I rode around, I tried to capture some of the lights of the town. The lights of the Bourbon Street Pub are a must-see at night. The pub features a colorful neon light show that is a popular attraction. Many people were stopping to get a selfie or take a few photos on their phones to send to friends and family.
Key West is a fun area to visit. It has changed a lot in the forty plus years since I was last here.