Key West, Florida is a city Geographically located on an island of the same name in the Straits of Florida. The island is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Key West is part of Monroe County, which also includes the islands of Stock Island, Knight’s Key, Geiger Key, and Sugarloaf Key. As of the 2020 census, the population of Key West was 26,444.
History of Key West
The first humans to inhabit the island were Calusa Indians, who arrived in the area around 500 BC. The Calusa were a Native American tribe that lived in Florida and the Caribbean. In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León discovered the island while searching for the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de León named the island San Martín, but it was later renamed Cayo Hueso (Spanish for “Bone Island”).
In 1822, the United States acquired Florida from Spain in the Adams-Onís Treaty. Five years later, in 1827, American businessman William Whitehead discovered the island and established a fishing camp there. The following year, Whitehead’s friend, Dr. James Grant, purchased the island from the Spanish government.
In 1829, slavery was abolished in Florida. This led to an influx of free black people to Key West, many of whom were attracted by the island’s thriving cigar industry. In 1832, the United States Navy established a base on the island.
The history of Key West is inextricably linked to the history of Cuba. For centuries, the two islands have been home to a close-knit community of Cubans and Americans. In the early 20th century, Key West was a popular vacation destination for wealthy Americans.
Population Growth
The population of Key West exploded in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the advent of air travel. In the early 1950s, Pan American World Airways began offering regular flights to Key West from Miami. This led to a surge in tourism, and the population of the island grew from 5,000 to 25,000 in just a few years.
Today, Key West is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. The city’s historic district is home to many boutiques, restaurants, and bars. In addition, the island is home to a number of art galleries, museums, and parks.
As of 2020, the population of Key West is 26,444. The city is governed by a mayor-council government. The current mayor of Key West is Teri Johnston.
When was Key West Founded?
Key West was founded in 1829 by American businessman William Whitehead. Whitehead discovered the island while fishing with his friend, Dr. James Grant. The following year, Whitehead’s friend, Dr. James Grant, purchased the island from the Spanish government.
Key West is a city located on an island of the same name in the Straits of Florida. The island was discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León and later renamed Cayo Hueso, but it was eventually named Key West after William Whitehead’s discovery came to light. Today, Key West is home to many boutiques, restaurants, and bars. The island is also home to a number of art galleries, museums, and parks. As of the 2020 census, the population of Key West was 26,444. The city is governed by a mayor-council government. The current mayor of Key West is Teri Johnston.