Key West Essay -- Papers

Key West Key West is many people's paradise. It has dazzling waters, beautiful beaches, and a wonderful climate. This tiny island is located off the southernmost part of Florida is the only true tropical island in the United States. Thousands of people from all over the world come to Key West every year for the relaxing lifestyle and rich culture. As well as being rich in culture it is rich in history too. Key West has also been the home to many great authors and artists and is known for having a very diverse population. Initially, Key West was a home for Spanish explorers and pirates until the first settlement was established in 1822. In 1822 the U.S. Navy sent Commodore David Porter to the island. He was sent to take over the island and to eventually stop piracy. He did succeed and in 1825, Congress put forth a law that required that all ship wrecks where salvaged goods were taken must be brought to a U.S. port for arbitration. That U.S. port turned out to be Key West. It then became the wealthiest city in the U.S. (Murphy 3). Industry arrived in Key West by 1831. Industries such as, cigar-making, ship-fitting, salt manufacturing, and turtling employed many people. Soon after that the local residents discovered that their sea sponges were highly valued in the North and that spun another booming industry for the people of Key West (3). By 1850, this tiny island was populated and had schools, hospitals, and churches and was thriving on its success (4). Key West soon played a part in the Civil War and became known as the cigar capitol of the world. During the Civil War the Confederacy set up two forts that would serve as headquarters for naval blockade, Jefferson and Taylor. Key West ... ...his way back from Paris he and his family stopped on the island and fell in love with it. Soon after that Hemingway bought land and built a house there (5). Key West is a beautiful and diverse city unlike any other city in the world and even though it has had its good times and bad times it has managed to become successful. It thrives on its main industry witch is tourism, but that is what the city specializes in. Many wonderful attractions are in this city, such as rich culture and beautiful coral reefs, but this is why Key West will always be in America's hearts. Works Cited Gifford, John. "The Florida Keys". National Geographic Society, 1997. Murphy, George. "The History of Key West". www.Key West Florida. com. Wilson, M. " The Hemingway Recource Center". www.lostgeneration.com. The Hemingway Resource Center, 1999.