Page 259 - Florida and the US Caribbean Isles

Key West Points of Interest

MILE MARKER ZERO All of the Florida Keys any war action. Built during the Civil War (1861-
addresses that are along Highway 1 are ex- 1865). The view from atop the central tower
pressed by mile markers, or miles from this point. gives visitors a spectacular panorama of the At-

MM 100, for example, is the location of the Africa lantic coast of Key West. (305) 296-3913 3501 S.

Queen boat 100 miles away in Key Largo. Roosevelt Bl

“ WCONCHS” Many of the residents of Key West EST MARTELLO TOWER This is a Civil War
immigrated from the Bahamas in the early- era fort, and a National Historic Site. Pres-

to mid-1800’s. These people, who were called ently the Key West Garden Club and the Joe Allen

“Conchs” (pronounced ‘conks’), were the progeny Garden Center are located here. 1100 Atlantic Bl

of British Loyalists who had fled to the Bahamas
Wduring the American Revolution in 1776. By
HITE STREET PIER Nice concrete fishing
the 1900’s Key West citizens called themselves pier is wheelchair accessible, and it is a

“Conchs”. Today’s residents use the term “Conch” good place to find evening yoga classes. AIDS

to refer to a person born in Key West, while the memorial is at the foot of the pier.

term “Fresh Water Conch” refers to a resident not
Mborn in Key West but who has lived in Key West
ALLORY SQUARE AT NIGHT - All kinds of
for at least seven years. Folklore says in the old performers crowd into Mallory Square in

days, when a baby was born, the family would put the evening to entertain tourists and passersby.

a conch shell on a pole in front of their home. At times the passersby join in! There are also lots

FORT EAST MARTELLO MUSEUM & GARDENS of local vendors and artisans with booths for you
This fort was never completed, and never saw to browse or purchase a souvenir.