Did you know the City of Key West is one of the oldest settlements in Florida?

In addition to being the southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West is one of the oldest settlements in the State of Florida and one of its oldest cities. Incorporated in 1828 and located just 90 miles from the island of Cuba, Key West was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513. The small island was first named Cayo Hueso, or Isle of Bones, due to the presence of many Indian remains. "Key West" is the anglicized version of the Spanish name.

A small naval depot was built in 1822 to control area pirates and the U.S. Navy has called Key West home ever since. The island was designated the Monroe County seat in 1824.

Reprinted from Quality Cities May/June 2005
Photo courtesy of Visit Florida

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