Florida’s 1,000 Keys are a coral reef that forms giant stepping stones to link the mainland with Key West. Some if them are scarcely more than mangrove bushes in a sandbank and some others are many miles long.
Exciting and fascinating tales of romance, danger and mystery are woven into the early history of the Florida Keys which were used as a base by sea-roving pirates as early as the 16th century.
From 1912 to 1936 a railroad linked the keys together like a necklace to the mainland.
When the railroad was washed away in a severe hurricane, the area was converted to a highway.
Key West is a mere 107 miles from South Beach on the road known officially as U. S. 1, a two-lane, toll-free concrete ribbon that is one of the most impressive and beautiful roads in this country with the seven mile Bahia Honda Bridge, one of 42 such structures along the route.
Fishing enthusiasts call the Keys an angler’s paradise, with a huge variety of edible and game fish prevalent. All along the highway are fishing camps with guides and boats available for hire. Numerous launching ramps await those trailering their own craft. The landlubber can catch large fish directly from the many highway bridges.
Travelers to the Keys can also enjoy picnicking, sunbathing, boating and beachcombing for unusual shells and driftwood. Shell collectors spend interesting hours along the baysidecoastline and many collections of rare old bottles have been started with specimens from the ocean shore. Photographic possibilities are magnificent and numerous.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
East Martello Tower Museum Art
gallery and relics of Key West history; S. Roosevelt Blvd. near airport, Key West.
Audubon House — Restored home where John James Audubon headquartered while researching Keys wildlife; featuring beautiful antiques; 205 Whitehead St., Key West.
Aquarium—Old Mallory Square, fish and animals native to Key West waters.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef Underwater State Park Marine life, shipwrecks, reefs: Boat ramps, lunch counter, pool, shower and restroom facilities. Upper Key Largo.
Ernest Hemingway Home—Key West mansion of the renowned author at 907 Whitehead St.
