Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago located off the southern coast of Florida, United States. This chain of islands extends in a gentle arc southwest from the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, nearly to Dry Tortugas National Park, over 100 miles from Key West.
Geography
- The Keys are composed of more than 1,700 islands, stretching about 220 miles from Key Biscayne near Miami to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas.
- They are divided into three main areas: the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys, with Key West being the southernmost city in the contiguous United States.
- The islands are primarily made of coral limestone, which was formed by the deposition of coral remains over millions of years.
History
- The Florida Keys were first explored by Juan Ponce de León in 1513, who named them Los Martires (The Martyrs) due to their appearance like suffering men.
- Originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians, the islands were later visited by various explorers including John Cabot in 1497.
- In the 19th century, the Keys became known for their wrecking industry, where salvagers would rescue goods from shipwrecks. This led to the development of Key West as a significant port.
- The construction of the Overseas Railway by Henry Flagler in the early 20th century connected the Keys to the mainland, greatly enhancing their accessibility and development.
- After the railway was largely destroyed by a hurricane in 1935, the route was repurposed into the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), which remains the main artery through the Keys.
Environment and Conservation
- The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was established to protect the coral reefs, shipwrecks, and other marine resources around the Keys.
- The area is critical for biodiversity, hosting numerous species of fish, birds, and marine mammals including the endangered Florida Keys Wildlife like the manatee and the American crocodile.
- Environmental challenges include coral bleaching, habitat loss due to development, and the impact of tourism.
Tourism and Culture
- The Keys are a popular tourist destination, known for their scenic beauty, water sports, fishing, and unique culture.
- Events like Fantasy Fest in Key West attract thousands of visitors annually.
- The laid-back lifestyle, along with historical attractions like Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, contributes to its vibrant cultural scene.
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