Key West, FL Vol. 1
Key West, founded in 1829, is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States. In the middle of the 19th century
salvaging shipwrecks (called "Wrecking") became big business in Key West, and for a while made it the richest
city in the country. One can visit the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum (formerly the Historeum Museum) to learn all about "Wrecking".
Now of course the big business in town is TOURISM. The majority of businesses in Key West are geared toward the tourist trade, so take lots
of tourist dollars when you visit. I have been to Key West twice, almost exactly 20 years apart (1999 and 2019). There's a lot to
see, so I divided Key West into 2 volumes. We'll tour along the waterfront and visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in volume 1.
In volume 2 we'll check out some more of the touristy part of town and pay visits to Hemingway House and Fort Taylor.
Click here to view photos as a slideshow. May take a few seconds to run.
Waterfront
Our first stop will be along the waterfront at the westernmost end of Key West. The waterfront area
features attractions like the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum, the Mel Fisher Maritime
Museum, Mallory Square, the Key West Art and History Museum, Marqueritaville, etc. There are lots of
eateries, drinkeries, and specialty shops along the waterfront. I had conch chowder at the Conch Republic Restaurant
and it was delicious. I didn't take the tour of the Key West Shipwreck Museum, but did take some photos from
its tower. I did tour the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, which is presented in the next section. Also, it's almost
mandatory to view the sunset from Mallory Square.
"The Wreckers" by James Mastin
Shipwreck Historeum Museum Display
(1999)
Shipwreck Treasure Museum display
(2019)
Near the entrance to
the Shipwreck Treasures Museum
Carronade
(aka "Smasher")
Conch Train
Mallory Square
View from Historeum Tower
Conch Train
Capt. Tony's Saloon
Originally Sloppy Joe's (Hemingway's favorite bar)
Conch Republic Seafood Company
(1999)
Conch Republic Seafood Company
open for business (2019)
Key West Art and History Museum
(Old Post Office and Customshouse)
Key West Museum of Art and History
"Pondering the Benefits of Excercise"
by Seward Johnson
"Los Mariachis" by Seward Johnson
Key West Museum of Art and History
Sunset
View from Mallory Square
Sunset
View from Mallory Square
Sunset
View from Mallory Square
No Comment
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Mel Fisher was one of the most famous and successful undersea treasure hunters. Originally
from Indiana, he moved to California and opened the state's first dive shop. He formed a
slavage company (Teasure Salvors, Inc.) with his wife and sons, and became somewhat obsessed
with finding the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. After several years
of searching he finally located the wreck on July 20, 1985 off the coast of Florida, and
recovered some $450 million worth of gold, silver, copper, and jewels. After a years-long
fight with the State of Florida, SCOTUS finally ruled "finders-keepere",
and the Fishers were awarded all of the treasure (less a hefty percentage in taxes). Much of
the treasure is on display in the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and artifacts can also be purchased
at the associated Mel Fisher's Treasures gallery ($$$$). The museum's second floor features pirate
exhibits and artifacts from the slave ship Henrietta Marie, also discovered by the Fishers.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Cannon in the couryard of
the Mel Fisher Museum
Model of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha
Atocha statistics
Business end of a cannon
Museum exhibits
Culinary plates and utensils
Gold salver (serving plate)
"Tools of the trade"
Ship's tools
Ship's tools
Atocha bronze cannon
Gold chains
Emerald jewelry
Silver ingots
Gold bars
Spanish silver dollars
(pieces of eight)
Saker smoothbore cannon
Pirate (female) at entrance to
Mel Fisher's Treasures gallery
Pirate (male) at entrance to
Mel Fisher's Treasures gallery
Everything Aquatic
Key West is surrounded by water, so naturally the city is into all things aquatic. Key West is known for
its clear waters and coral reefs. There are boat tours of every kind - snorkeling, diving, fishing, and trips
to Dry Tortugas National Park. Key West is also a port of call for many cruise ships.
Waterfront
Tugboats
the "Dauntless"
Schooner
More Schooners
FastCat to Dry Tortugas
"Sunny Days" Catamaran
Cruise Ship "Leeward"
One lone seagull
the "Jolly Rover"