"Where others have failed, Key West... " a Key West Travel Page by pchamlis

Key West is proud of its status as THE southernmost point in the continental United States. When you reach this point at the southwest corner of Key West, you are only 90 miles away from Cuba.

As for Key West, it's about the most laid-back, anything is cool town in America. If marching to the beat of a different drummer is your rhythm, then you'll like the beat of Key West.

If you like rules and regulations, lots of regimentation and feel that half of each day (the dark half) should be for sleeping and generally being quiet, you might want to vacation elsewhere. <g>

Many famous people have adopted Key West as their home away from home. Almost everyone knows that Papa Ernest Hemingway spent many of his most productive years in Key West.

But, our 33rd president (and one of my favorite Democrats), Harry S. Truman, spent almost 180 days of his presidency IN Key West, residing at a lovely old place known affectionately as "Truman's Little White House". I will write a separate little tip on TLWH, so check it out.

This photo was taken near Mallory Square, at the northwestern tip of Key West. They've built a sculture garden honoring many of the town's most famous citizens and visitors. Here, you'll find pchamlis and Harry discussing the pros and cons of the Truman Doctrine. :)

OK, what is all of this seceding business? Well, as any student of history knows, America fought a civil war some 140 years ago. Part of what was decided in that bloody war was that no state may secede (or leave) from the union. Once you're in, you're in. :)

Well, Key West seceded from the United States in the early eighties, mostly as a publicity stunt. What happened was that the US government shut down a highway passage point for a while, and it really ticked off the Key West citizenry. So, their town council passed a resolution seceding from the United States. At that point, Key West proclaimed its independence, and adopted the official name "The Conch Republic".

The commander of the local naval base had been invited to the meeting in which the secession vote was taken, as the citizens had something very special in mind. One minute after Key West seceded from the US, thereby declaring war ON the United States, the town council quickly surrendered to the Admiral. THEN, the town council immediately requested four billion dollars in US economic aid, as is usually due a defeated foe. ;)

These Conch Republic folks are a hoot.