The Keys—The new Overseas Highway to Key West
over the chain of coral islands stretching one hundred and twenty-five
miles out into the ocean from the Florida peninsula is a journey unique
for even the experienced world traveler. The last water gap of this
scenic motor highway, thirty-six miles wide, is now spanned by ferry.
At Caesar's Creek stands the exclusive Cocolobo Cay Fishing Club and
opposite it rises Black Caesar's Island, where a negro pirate of the
eighteenth century was said to have made his headquarters. Between the
keys and the mainland lies Florida Bay, the sheltered cruising ground
of many beautiful yachts and smaller craft. Besides the rich colors
of the transparent waters and their marvelous undersea growth, the foliage
of the keys presents an unforgettable picture with its beautiful assortment
of tropical flora, bearing such curious names as sapodilla, custard
apple, mamey, papaya, and tamarind. Here, indeed, "the wind is
in the palm trees," and the "flying fishes play."
Pirates Cove Fishing Camp is a new resort twenty miles north of Key
West on the Overseas Highway. It is equipped with guest cabins, community
dining room and all facilities for comfort. Among the game fish caught
in the waters nearby are the lightning-like bonefish, sailfish, barracuda,
kingfish, tarpon, bonito, and African pompano.
Key West—Southernmost city in the United States,
Key West is located on the island of Cayo Huesco (Bone Island), so called
from the piles of human bones found there. In the days of treasure fleets
and freebooters, many a great ship ran afoul of the coral reefs when
warning lights were hidden and wreckers lay in wait for the spoils that
washed upon the shore. Later, however, this business of the piratical
wreckers became an efficient salvage fleet, a boon instead of a terror
to ships. The Cuban insurrection brought many refugees in 1868, resulting
in the establishment of large cigar factories in this little island
city.
Fishing, turtling and sponging fleets lend color to the busy docks.
With its fine year-round climate and rare trees, plants and flowers,
Key West has a charm for the tourist comparable to that of Hawaii, and
in fact, lies almost in the same zone. Here is the only part of the
United States from which the Southern Cross may be seen. The much-prized
green turtle soup, all varieties of fish, crabs and lobsters delight
the epicure, while many interesting varieties of preserved tropical
fruits are also available. The government has an important naval and
aviation station here, and the busy harbor is indeed a valuable asset
to the nation.
Published 1930 by the Florida Hotel Commission located in Tallahassee.
What a neat view of the Keys from 75 years ago...a short time in the grand
history of the islands. By the way, don't even ask for the turtle soup...the
endangered sea turtles have now been protected for years.
