| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Curry Mansion

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:49:02 +0000

The ornate Curry Mansion was built by Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

Curry Mansion Inn & Museum- former home of Key West’s first millionaire.

The ornate Curry Mansion, a lovely all-white Victorian structure, is built on the site of the 1855 homestead of Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

The striking facade, complemented with pillars and balconies, was added at the turn of the century by Curry’s son Milton.

Inside are beautifully proportioned high-ceiling rooms, antique furnishings. The mansion offers an excellent historic example of “elegant Key West.”

Tours are self guided and explore 15 antique-filled rooms.

Location: 511 Caroline Street

Pan Am Headquarters

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:45:58 +0000

A tiny Key West airline grows to be the largest in the United States. And it all began here.

Pan Am’s original headquarters on the corner of Whitehead Street and Greene Street.

For those aviation buffs out there, visit Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant (started by the actress Kelly McGillis), the original home to Pan Am airlines.

Pan Am, originally named Pan American, was the largest airline in the United States from 1927 to 1991. And it all started in little Key West when the small airline began regular passenger and mail service to Havana, Cuba.

Today the building houses a bar in the shape of an airplane wing. Continuing with the aviation theme, the ceiling fans look like the rotary engines of an aiplane.

No museum or tour. Small case diplays Pan Am artifacts.

Enjoy the in-flight beverages.

Location: 303 Whitehead Street

Southernmost House

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:43:43 +0000

One of the most striking examples of Queen Anne Victorian architectural style on in Key West.

At the end of upper Duval Street is Key West’s Southernmost House.

One of the most striking buildings in all of Key West is the Southernmost House & Museum. The structure is an impressive example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture and sits proudly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The house a collection of important and interesting documents, many of which are signed by presidents of the United States, including John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.

Visitors are welcome (for a few dollars more) to spend the day poolside, enjoying the cocktails and impressive property.

Location: 1400 Duval Street

Key West Cemetery

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:35:36 +0000

A century and a half of history. Plus a few only-in-Key-West sites.

Map of Key West’s unique and intriguing cemetery located in the heart of Old Town. (Click on the map to see a larger version)

The Key West City Cemetery was established in 1847 following the disastrous hurricane of October 11, 1846. According to prominent attorney and port inspector Stephen Mallory,

“The effects of the hurricane were terrible. The grave yard of this town on a high sand ridge on the Southern part of the Island was entirely washed away, and the dead were scattered throughout the forest, many of them lodged in trees.”

The hurricane destroyed several burial grounds, including the one referred to by Mallory, necessitating establishment of a new cemetery.

In 1847, the City purchased a 100-lot tract in the center of town for $400. As originally planned, the northwest triangular section featured curvilinear streets still partly in evidence by the burial pattern that resulted in that area. Family plots were delineated in a grid in the central section with the northern public section marked by numbered quadrants. Several years later, the City added 233 lots south of the family plots.

In 1868, a separate Catholic Cemetery measuring 300 feet square was created along Frances Street. The Jewish Cemetery is a small section in the southeast portion of the property.

The Key West Cemetery reflects an era of cemetery reform that occurred throughout the nation. “The Rural Cemetery Movement” began in the 1840’s as America’s cities began establishing large, park-like cemeteries outside their boundaries. These expansive, landscaped cemeteries developed as a response to overcrowded private and churchyard cemeteries and to satisfy the need for culture in America. Cemeteries became peaceful parks for appreciating works of art and enjoying beautifully landscaped grounds.

Varied artistic styles and burial methods were evident in the City Cemetery. Monuments were shipped to the island to mark the graves of the wealthy and prominent. Locally produced grave markers are of brick, cement or tile. Each element on the grave has meaning. Many of the symbols provide insight into a person’s career, family life, participation in the community, and personal sentiments.

For a self guided tour, print out the detailed Key West Cemetery map (opens in a new window)

African Cemetery at Higgs Beach

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:27:39 +0000

Learn about the rescue of slaves bound for Cuba in 1860. Many did not survive and were buried here.

Overlooking the south shore and next to the White Street pier is the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach.

Among modern Key West’s greatest characteristics is its inclusiveness. But you may not realize that Key West has historically been an oasis of diversity. During the Civil War, Key West remained in the United States despite Florida having joined the secession. African Americans on the island lived as free men long before it became the law of the land.

Make no mistake of it, though – Key West did have its faults when it came to early race relations, especially when judged from our modern day expectations.

One of the earliest events highlighting the compassion of the island is memorialized at Higgs Beach, adjacent to the West Martello Fort and near the White Street Pier.

Here, you will find a sobering memorial of the astonishing story of the nearly 300 people who died after being rescued from slave ships plying their illegal trade near the island on their way to Cuba.

Next door is the West Martello fort.

Depicted on the surface of the installation is a map of the Atlantic Ocean showing the slave trade routes and locations where the slave ships were captured.

It is well worth visiting this site to remember this sad chapter of our country’s history and reflect on how far we have come as a people.

The State of Florida historical marker at the grave site reads:

State historic marker tells the story of the slaveship that was intercepted and brought into Key West.

“Near this site lie the remains of 294 African men, women and children who died in Key West in 1860. In the summer of that year the U.S. Navy rescued 1,432 Africans from three American-owned ships engaged in the illegal slave trade. Ships bound for Cuba were intercepted by the U.S. Navy, who brought the freed Africans to Key West where they were provided with clothing, shelter and medical treatment. They had spent weeks in unsanitary and inhumane conditions aboard the slave ships. The U.S. steamships Mohawk, Wyandott and Crusader rescued these individuals from the Wildfire, where 507 were rescued; the William, where 513 were rescued; and the Bogota, where 417 survived. In all, 294 Africans succumbed at Key West to various diseases caused by conditions of their confinement. They were buried in unmarked graves on the present day Higgs Beach where West Martello Tower now stands. By August, more than 1,000 survivors left for Liberia, West Africa, a country founded for former American slaves, where the U.S. government supported them for a time. Hundreds died on the ships before reaching Liberia. Thus, the survivors were returned to their native land, Africa, but not to their original homes on that continent.”

San Carlos Institute

David Dlugitch — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:18:38 +0000

Where Jose Martí officially began the movement to gain Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Located on Duval Street, the San Carlos Institute is an important part of Cuban-American history.

Key West and Cuba have always had a close relationship – especially being separated by only 90 miles.

No building in Key West represents more Cuban history than the San Carlos building on Duval Street.

Built in 1890 by the San Carlos Institute, an organization dedicated to supporting Cuban culture and values, this building was actually owned by Cuba – before being appropriated by the United States.

In 1892, Jose Martí famously made a speech at the San Carlos that is attributed with the beginning of Cuba’s independence movement from Spain.

Exhibits include works of Jose Martí, an exploration of Cuba’s history told through its postage stamps, a history of Cuban aviation, and a gallery of portraits of Cuban presidents.

Location: 516 Duval Street

Hours: Open daily – 12pm – 5pm

Cost: Admission is FREE

Audubon House Garden

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 18:32:59 +0000

Ship captain’s home and the beginning of Key West’s architectural preservation movement

The Audubon House Museum – former home of Key West’s first harbor pilot.

The Audubon House Museum was established in 1960 by Key West native, Colonel Mitchell Wolfson, and his wife Frances. They saved and restored the historic building which had been the family home of Captain John Geiger, Key West’s first Harbor pilot. He had made his fortune as a wrecking master salvaging ships that foundered on the treacherous reefs.

This elegant 1846 example of American Classic Revival architecture is a perfect setting for the work of one of America’s first truly original artists, John James Audubon, who visited the home while working on his famous bird images. The style of the house and Audubon’s art represent the new flowering of American design that flourished in the early 19th century.

A wonderful tropical garden in the back is very enjoyable with collections of orchids, palm trees, and lilly pool.

Self guided audio tours daily. Their gallery of antique lithographs is across the street, and for collectors and admirers of Audubon prints, it is well worth a visit.

Cost:

Adults – $12
Students – $7.50
Children (6-12yrs) – $5
Children (under 6) – FREE

Hours:

9:30 am – 5:00 pm daily.

Location

205 Whitehead Street

East Martello

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 18:27:04 +0000

Early strategic fort and home to an interesting museum filled with early island artifacts

East Martello is hard to miss when you arrive in Key West. Located next to Key West International Airport, the large brick structure overlooks the ocean and today is home to a museum of Key West history.

Key West, being one of the most important strategic locations for the early United States, had a series of large brick forts built along the southern shore.

East Martello was one of them, and today houses an impressive museum of early island artifacts, eclectic folk art, and treasures from the sea. One of the museums strangest and most photographed exhibits is Robert the Doll, a Victorian era cloth doll that is purported to be haunted. Many visitors claim that photographs of the doll end up with streaks of light through the picture.

Located next to the Key West airport at the eastern end of the island, East Martello is well worth visiting for anyone interested in the rich history of Key West.

Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, daily (except Christmas)

Cost:

Adults – $12
Children, age 6 and over – $5
Children, under age 6 – FREE

Location: 3501 South Roosevelt Blvd (next to Key West’ airport)

Phone: 305-296-3913

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Museum

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 18:20:44 +0000

Climb to the top of the 15th oldest lighthouse in the United States and get an incredible view of the island

Key West Lighthouse – the United State’s 15th oldest lighthouse still standing.

Built in 1847 to 46 feet high, the Key West lighthouse was later extended to 85 feet in 1894 . This Key West icon originally ran on oil, but in 1927 was converted into an “electric torch” beacon.

By 1969, the lighthouse was decommissioned and after changing hands with the local historical society, opened to the public in 1989.

Today you can climb the 88 steps to the observation deck for one of the best views of the island and the beautiful water surrounding it. We highly recommend it.

The museum is an excellent historical site with many artifacts of the era and stories of the keepers that lived there. The quarters, grounds, and the lighthouse itself have all been faithfully restored.

Hours: Open daily 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (except Christmas)

Cost:

$12 per adult
$9 per senior, ages 62 and over
$5 per student, must show ID
$5 per child ages 6 and over
FREE for children under 6.

Phone: 305-295-6616

Location: 938 Whitehead Street

Truman’s Little White House

David Dlugitch — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 16:06:55 +0000

The working vacation White House of President Truman who visited the house eleven times while in office.

The restored winter White House used by Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, & Kennedy.

President Harry Truman found this tropical island the perfect winter getaway.

He chose this West Indian style dwelling to be his working winter “White House” for his vacations from 1946-1952.

Truman loved being outdoors in Key West. In the morning he would often go to the beach. He was an avid fisherman and whenever he could he loved to fish the Key West waters.

Situated on the former Navy property today known as Truman Annex, with entrance through the Presidential Gates on Whitehead St., it has been restored with complete authenticity.

Guided tours daily. Also offers a free self-guided botanical tour.

Hours: Open 10am – 4:00pm , daily

Location: 111 Front Street, in the Truman Annex neighborhood

Cost:

Adults – $22.52
Children, ages 4-12 – $10.75
Seniors, must show ID – $20.37
Student & Military, must show ID – $20.37

| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Curry Mansion

Things to Do Menu

The ornate Curry Mansion was built by Florida’s first millionaire, William Curry.

Pan Am Headquarters

Things to Do Menu

A tiny Key West airline grows to be the largest in the United States. And it all began here.

Southernmost House

Things to Do Menu

One of the most striking examples of Queen Anne Victorian architectural style on in Key West.

Key West Cemetery

Things to Do Menu

A century and a half of history. Plus a few only-in-Key-West sites.

African Cemetery at Higgs Beach

Things to Do Menu

Learn about the rescue of slaves bound for Cuba in 1860. Many did not survive and were buried here.

San Carlos Institute

Where Jose Martí officially began the movement to gain Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Audubon House Garden

Museums Menu

Ship captain’s home and the beginning of Key West’s architectural preservation movement

East Martello

Museums Menu

Early strategic fort and home to an interesting museum filled with early island artifacts

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Museum

Museums Menu

Climb to the top of the 15th oldest lighthouse in the United States and get an incredible view of the island

Truman’s Little White House

Museums Menu

The working vacation White House of President Truman who visited the house eleven times while in office.