Key West: Information Resource Portal

The southernmost city in the continental United States, situated 150 miles southwest of Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West lies at the western end of the Florida Keys, an archipelago of exposed coral reefs off the southern tip of Florida. Key West is also the name of the island on which the city exists.

Key West is a paradise for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Watersports, diving, fishing, and golf are just a few of the activities enjoyed by residents and visitors to the island. Several cruise lines also make Key West a port of call.

Key West Florida Key West was first linked to the continental US in 1912 when the Henry Flagler extended the Florida East Coast Railway to the island. Called the Florida Overseas Railroad, it operated until 1935 when a Category 5 hurricane destroyed much of railroad in the Middle Keys. The Overseas Highway (an extension of US Route 1) replaced the railroad in 1938.

The Florida Keys are situated within the subtropical region of the Western hemisphere. Because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys have a mild tropical-maritime climate. Average temperatures for Key West in the winter are in the mid-70s with summer temperatures averaging around 90°.

Key West (and the rest of the Florida Keys) "seceded" from the US on April 23, 1982, in protest to a Border Patrol roadblock and checkpoint that effectively isolated the islands. The Conch Republic, as the new independent "nation" was called, was never formally recognized, but April 23rd is still observed and celebrated in Key West as Independence Day.






	Key West Fast Facts History Government Geography Attractions Hotels	The southernmost city in the continental United States, situated 150 miles southwest of Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West lies at the western end of the Florida Keys, an archipelago of exposed coral reefs off the southern tip of Florida. Key West is also the name of the island on which the city exists. Key West is a paradise for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Watersports, diving, fishing, and golf are just a few of the activities enjoyed by residents and visitors to the island. Several cruise lines also make Key West a port of call. Key West was first linked to the continental US in 1912 when the Henry Flagler extended the Florida East Coast Railway to the island. Called the Florida Overseas Railroad, it operated until 1935 when a Category 5 hurricane destroyed much of railroad in the Middle Keys. The Overseas Highway (an extension of US Route 1) replaced the railroad in 1938. The Florida Keys are situated within the subtropical region of the Western hemisphere. Because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys have a mild tropical-maritime climate. Average temperatures for Key West in the winter are in the mid-70s with summer temperatures averaging around 90°. Key West (and the rest of the Florida Keys) "seceded" from the US on April 23, 1982, in protest to a Border Patrol roadblock and checkpoint that effectively isolated the islands. The Conch Republic, as the new independent "nation" was called, was never formally recognized, but April 23rd is still observed and celebrated in Key West as Independence Day.

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