subject: Hidden Treasure Found In Key West [print this page] Key West is, as the name suggests, the westernmost island of the series of islands stretching back from Florida's southern tip backwards into the Gulf of Mexico. Initially known as Cayo Hueso, or Island of Bones, the island was first officially claimed for the U.S. by Commodore Matthew Perry in 1821. For numerous years, it was a marine base of operations against pirates of the Caribbean. Civilian settlement followed, and by the late 19th century, Key West was the most affluent area in Florida. For many years, the only means to access Key West was by boat or train (a railroad was in place by 1912), but since the extension of U.S. Highway 1 in 1938, the area has been readily approachable by vehicle.
Key West is saturated in history, particularly when it comes to American literature. Novelist Steven King makes his home in the Keys for a portion of the year, but he is only the most recent in a string of American literary figures who have been residents in this village, which most notably include late playwright Tennessee Williams and novelist Ernest Hemingway. The home once owned by Hemingway has been declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark and it is here that he later said he did some of his greatest writing. At the La Concha Hotel, Tennessee Williams penned the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire, and he made his home in Key West for the last 34 years of his life. These days, a theater on the campus of neighboring Florida Keys Community College bears his name.
There are lovely Florida Keys vacation rentals throughout the chain of islands to rent for short or long term. If you haven't ever been to the Islamorada Florida Keys, this stretch of the Keys is a great location. Islamorada is comprised of six islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key. This might be the only place on Earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish in the morning, and then venture into the backcountry in pursuit of bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water. There are also numerous Islamorada vacation rentals available that are charming and tranquil.
Old Town Key West offers a wide range of activities that include water sports such as deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling as well as a large number of cultural events throughout the year. In fact, within an area four miles long and two miles wide, there are no fewer than 89 art galleries exhibiting a wealth of paintings and sculptures by local residents and include works by Cuban and Haitian artists in exile.
In addition, the Florida Keys are quarters to the areas only nonprofit self-regulating film multiplex, where film buffs can attend screenings of foreign and independent films that are shown in very few other venues. The Tropic Cinema is just one of the must see attractions in Key West. In addition to pictures, live theater is flourishing at venues such as the Marathon Community Theater, which presents musicals and other plays that recently included Guys and Dolls, Deathtrap and a full Broadway review.
Nature lovers can learn a great deal about the local flora and fauna at the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, which has a fine art gallery of its own. You can also encounter some of the early history and archeology of the area by touring the Crane Point Museum Nature Center and Historic Site, which is located on one of the oldest existing home sites on the island.
Key West is an island off the coast of Florida with a vivid history and diverse present day ambiance. There are numerous Florida Keys vacation rentals obtainable on this magical island.
