City history
A journey through the maritime, navigational, and chronological evolution of the westernmost reaches of the Florida Keys.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Westernmost key"
Specific indigenous names for the island are not reliably documented in historical sources; the name Key West is the earliest documented designation.
Westernmost key
The name reflects its position as the westernmost significant island in the Florida Keys archipelago.
Chapter two
Following the national adoption of standard time, Key West transitioned from local solar time to the Eastern Time standard.
The city follows Eastern Time, including the standard observation of seasonal daylight saving time transitions.
Chapter three
The establishment of Monroe County solidified Key West's role as a central administrative and maritime hub for the Florida Keys region.
Henry Flagler's railroad connected the island to the mainland, fundamentally changing the speed of transit and ending centuries of isolation.
A catastrophic hurricane devastated the region and destroyed the Overseas Railroad, marking a permanent shift in the island's infrastructure and economy.
The completion of the Key West Lighthouse provided a critical navigational beacon for maritime travelers navigating the treacherous Florida Reef.