Key West, Island territory in Florida Keys, United States.
Key West is a coral limestone island at the southwestern end of the Florida Keys, an archipelago that extends across the strait. The island is defined by narrow streets, old wooden houses with porches, and a tightly built downtown where everything is walkable.
The island was occupied by the United States in the early 1800s and served as a military base and salvage port for shipwrecks. This strategic role sparked rapid growth and made it one of Florida's wealthiest cities by the late 1800s.
The island has long drawn artists, writers, and musicians who found a place of freedom and creativity here. This artistic community shapes daily life and the streets today through galleries, live music, and open studio spaces.
The island is connected to the mainland by car via the Overseas Highway and is most easily reached from Miami. Local buses exist, but many visitors rent a bicycle or car to explore different neighborhoods.
Spanish settlers named the island Cayo Hueso after the remains they found there, which eventually became Key West. This darker origin is often overlooked today, though it appears in old cemeteries and history museums.
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