About Key West FL
Few cities in the United States have a history as long and varied as that of Key West. The name of the island originates from the Spanish name “Cayo Hueso” used by the first Spanish inhabitants in the 1500s. The name refers to the bones that were strewn across the ground of the island from the thousands of graves left there by previous residents.
The island was passed between Spain and Great Britain and back again, finally landing in the hands of the Americans when Matthew C. Perry claimed it by placing a U.S. flag on the land. Key West was later the site of the Civil War Fort, Fort Zachary Taylor, which still stands today and is the site of one of the largest collections of Civil War cannons.
Key West was finally connected to the mainland in the early 1900s by a railroad which remained intact until it was made unusable by a hurricane in 1935. Parts of the old railroad can still be seen from the relatively new Overseas Highway.
Key West is a beautiful place to live with tropical temperatures, and weather that stays mild all year. Buildings dating back to 1886 still stand in “Old Town” Key West, and this architecture mixed with the tropical landscape make living here a continual vacation. The other side of town, called “New Town,” brings a sense of youthfulness to the island with its collection of malls, shops, and neighborhoods. The city is also the site of Florida Keys Community College's main campus.
Those who live in the city of Key West enjoy both the benefits of life on a tropical island and the benefits of living within a thriving economy boosted by year-round tourism. The combination of history, beautiful scenery, and wonderful weather make Key West a city that stands above others.
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