Key West history pre-dates the beginning of the United States. Here are a few places worth visiting.

Key West was settled early in the history of the United States. Historical sites are around every corner – each offering a fascinating story. Long before Miami even existed, Key West was a vibrant community – and only reachable by ship.  When the Civil War broke out, Key West actually remained in Northern control – showing just how important the small island was to the country’s foundation.

Make sure to check out some of the amazing history that permeates every inch of Key West.

Here are our suggestions:

Key West Firehouse Museum

Fascinating stories of Key West’s firefighting history, the cigar industry, and devastating fires on the

Flagler Station “Sails to Rails Museum”

Train station for the Overseas Railroad, built by Henry Flagler and called the 8th wonder

Customs House Museum

  One of Key West’s most impressive structures, the Custom House was where wrecking cases

Oldest House Museum & Garden

  Built in 1829 by a ship’s captain, this is the oldest standing house in

Turtle Kraals Museum

  Sea turtles are protected now, but were once a delicacy that nearly led to

Ernest Hemingway House

Home of the author of For Whom the Bell Tolls, To Have and Have Not,

Truman’s Little White House

  The working vacation White House of President Truman who visited the house eleven times

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Museum

  Climb to the top of the 15th oldest lighthouse in the United States and

East Martello

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

Audubon House Garden

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

San Carlos Institute

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

African Cemetery at Higgs Beach

  Learn about the rescue of slaves bound for Cuba in 1860. Many did not

Key West Cemetery

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

Southernmost House

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

Pan Am Headquarters

  A tiny Key West airline grows to be the largest in the United States.

Curry Mansion

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