Birth of the Shipwreck and Salvage

Years ago, trade between nations was all about shipping and that is why the Port of Key West became so important and the gateway to Cuba. However, our treacherous reefs caused much difficulties and the shipwreck salvage industry was formed. Later things really took off with the opening of the Flagler Railway, which first allowed typical tourist travel to the islands in 1912. The stories are endless and we would recommend seeing the Dive Museum, Seven Mile Bridge, Shipwreck Historeum, and the Hurricane Monument to name just a few.

List of Historic Attractions to see in Key West

Our city packs a full plate of historic attractions on a 4x2 mile plot of land! Here is a list you can post for visitors to use as a tour guide reference. This is not in any particular order or ranking. Hope this helps. 1) Turtle Kraals 2) Eduardo H. Gato House 3) Joseph Porter House 4) The Armory 5) Butterfly Conservatory 6) Audubon House 7) Pirate Soul Museum 8) Shipwreck Historeum Museum 9) Mel Fisher Maritime 10) Pan American World Airways 11) Sloppy Joe's 12) Fort Zachary Taylor 13) Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden 14) Key West Lighthouse 15) Solares Hill 16) Customshouse 17) Truman Annex 18) Martello Gallery 19) Aquarium 20) Southernmost House 21) Western Union Schooner 22) Ernest Hemingway House 23) U.S. Naval Station 24) Mallory Square 25) Heritage House Museum 26) Key West Cemetery 27) Captain Tony's Saloon 28) Richard Peacon House 29) La Concha 30) West Martello Tower 31) Truman Little White House 32) Southernmost Point Buoy 33) Robert Frost Cottage 34) Smathers Beach 35) Old Post Office.