The Keys
Looking for a place to have a fun time? A place where everyone is laid-back? How about a place with some of the best diving hot spots, and the best sport fishing in the world? You need to look no further. This is the Florida Keys, otherwise known as the Conch Republic by the locals. The Keys are located off the tip of Florida and its northernmost island, Key Largo, is located about an hour drive from the city of Miami. Not too far a drive for entering a whole new adventure!
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY The Keys were first discovered in 1513 during Ponce de Leon's expedition. The Spaniards called them "Los Martires", which means the martyrs in Spanish, for they were difficult and challenging clusters of islands to explore. The next three centuries saw the Keys as mostly a place for Native Americans and pirates, the latter in a good position to take advantage of the abundant off-shore shipping trade. The first city, Key West, was founded in 1822. In the 1850's it had grown to about 2,700 people. Many residents came originally from New England and the Bahamas to profit from the wealth that the numerous wrecked ships brought them. The other islands were mostly uninhabited until the end of the 19th Century, when Methodist settlers took them over and built houses from driftwood and ship wreck cast offs. The other islands were mostly uninhabited until the end of the 19th Century, when Methodist settlers took them over and built houses from driftwood and ship wreck cast offs. After conquering the coral reefs and the mosquito infested swamps, they made a life for themselves shipping coconuts, key limes and other tropical goods to Key West and northern ports. It was no easy task to set up a railroad that would connect the Keys to the mainland. However, Henry Flagler was up to the job.
THE KEYS TODAY The Keys have come a long way since. Today, they're a series of islands connected by sturdy bridges. Easily accessible from Miami, the group of islands has been a favorite among many people who want to get away from it all, such as.. former US President George Bush. Very popular with tourists, the Keys offer a wide range of activities, from museum excursions to scuba diving.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY The Keys were first discovered in 1513 during Ponce de Leon's expedition. The Spaniards called them "Los Martires", which means the martyrs in Spanish, for they were difficult and challenging clusters of islands to explore. The next three centuries saw the Keys as mostly a place for Native Americans and pirates, the latter in a good position to take advantage of the abundant off-shore shipping trade. The first city, Key West, was founded in 1822. In the 1850's it had grown to about 2,700 people. Many residents came originally from New England and the Bahamas to profit from the wealth that the numerous wrecked ships brought them. The other islands were mostly uninhabited until the end of the 19th Century, when Methodist settlers took them over and built houses from driftwood and ship wreck cast offs. The other islands were mostly uninhabited until the end of the 19th Century, when Methodist settlers took them over and built houses from driftwood and ship wreck cast offs. After conquering the coral reefs and the mosquito infested swamps, they made a life for themselves shipping coconuts, key limes and other tropical goods to Key West and northern ports. It was no easy task to set up a railroad that would connect the Keys to the mainland. However, Henry Flagler was up to the job.
THE KEYS TODAY The Keys have come a long way since. Today, they're a series of islands connected by sturdy bridges. Easily accessible from Miami, the group of islands has been a favorite among many people who want to get away from it all, such as.. former US President George Bush. Very popular with tourists, the Keys offer a wide range of activities, from museum excursions to scuba diving.
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