Florida Keys History

Florida Keys Indian Key: A Forgotten Piece of Florida Keys History Just off the coast of Islamorada, Indian Key is a small island with a big history. Though now part of Monroe County, it was once associated with Miami-Dade County. Today, the island sits quiet and uninhabited, but nearly 200 years ago, it was a thriving community full of life and business. A Bustling Island in […]
Florida Keys The Lignum Vitae: A Florida Keys Treasure The lignum vitae tree is a true gem of the Florida Keys. Known as the “tree of life,” it has a rich history and many unique qualities. A Tough and Beautiful Tree Lignum vitae means “wood of life” in Latin. Not only is its wood incredibly dense and durable, but it’s also so tough that […]
Cudjoe Key Fat Albert: The Watchful Eye Over the Florida Keys If you’ve ever driven through the Lower Florida Keys and noticed a massive white balloon floating in the sky, you’ve seen Fat Albert in action. Officially known as a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS), Fat Albert is a high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been a familiar sight over Cudjoe Key for decades. What Is Fat […]
Florida Keys The Perfect Key Lime Pie – This Easy Recipe Brings the Taste Alive! Key Lime Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Florida history. Believed to have originated in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s, this tangy, creamy pie is made with Key limes, a smaller, more aromatic variety than traditional limes. It’s a beloved staple in the Keys, where fresh seafood and tropical […]
Florida Keys History Key West: From Florida’s Largest and Richest City to a Laid-Back Island Paradise Key West, known today for its laid-back charm, breathtaking sunsets, and vibrant culture, has a rich and fascinating history. Believe it or not, this small island was once the largest and wealthiest city in Florida. From its booming maritime industry in the 1800s to the thriving tourist destination it is today, Key West’s transformation is […]
Bat Tower Quirky Ambition: The Rise and Fall of Sugarloaf Key’s Mysterious Bat Tower The Bat Tower on Sugarloaf Key, located in the Florida Keys, is one of the region’s most unusual and mysterious landmarks. Built in 1929 by Charles P. Haskell, a wealthy industrialist, the tower was intended to help control the island’s mosquito population. Haskell believed that by constructing a tower to attract bats, he could use […]
Florida Keys Ring in the New Year: Key West’s Quirky and Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebrations New Year’s Eve in Key West is legendary, offering a blend of quirky, festive, and unforgettable celebrations! Here are some highlights of how the island rings in the new year: The Famous “Drops” Key West has its own playful take on the iconic Times Square ball drop, with several creative and uniquely Key West traditions: […]
Atlantic Ocean Bridging the Florida Keys: The Fascinating History of the Seven Mile Bridges The Seven Mile Bridges, both the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge and its modern replacement, are enduring symbols of engineering ingenuity and perseverance in the Florida Keys. Their histories include triumphs and tragedies, such as the devastating Moser Channel fire on the Old Bridge. The Old Seven Mile Bridge Part of the Overseas Railroad: Built […]
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