Key West Historic District facts for kids
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Key West Historic District
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Overview of part of the Key West Historic District from atop the La Concha
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Key West, Florida |
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| Area | 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) |
| Built | 1822 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000245 (original) 83001430 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
| Boundary increase | February 24, 1983 |
The Key West Historic District is a special area in Key West, Florida. It's also known as Old Town because it's the oldest part of the city. This district is famous for its beautiful historic buildings and unique charm.
It was first recognized as a historic district on March 11, 1971. This means the area has important buildings and history that should be protected. The district started out covering about 4,000 acres (16 square kilometers). It included many historic buildings from the early 1800s.
Later, on February 24, 1983, the district was made even bigger. It grew to about 5,400 acres (22 square kilometers). This expansion added many more historic buildings, bringing the total to over 2,400! Old Town is roughly the western half of Key West island. It's where you'll find most of the shops, restaurants, and fun places that tourists love to visit.
Exploring Key West's Old Town
Old Town Key West is full of interesting places to see. Many of these spots tell stories about the island's past. From old houses to museums, there's a lot to discover.
Famous Landmarks and Museums
- Key West Aquarium: A great place to see marine life from the local waters.
- The Armory: An old building with a military history.
- Oldest House Museum and Gardens: Visit the oldest house in Key West and its lovely gardens.
- Audubon House and Tropical Gardens: Explore the home and gardens linked to famous artist John James Audubon.
- Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea: A beautiful historic church.
- Captain Tony's Saloon: A famous historic spot with a lot of local stories.
- Key West Cemetery: An interesting cemetery with unique gravestones and stories.
- U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Key West Station: A historic site related to the Coast Guard.
- Ernest Hemingway House: The former home of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway.
- Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage: Learn about Key West's heritage and see a cottage where poet Robert Frost stayed.
- Key West Light: Climb to the top for amazing views of the island.
- Mallory Square: A popular spot known for its sunset celebrations.
- Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum: Discover treasures from shipwrecks.
- Birthplace of Pan-Am: See where the famous airline Pan American World Airways began.
- Dr. Joseph Y. Porter House: A historic home named after a notable doctor.
- Fogarty Mansion: A grand historic mansion.
- Key West Museum of Art and History: Learn about the art and history of Key West in this old building.
- Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum: Experience the tales of Key West's shipwreck past.
- Sloppy Joe's: Another famous historic spot in Key West.
- Richard Peacon House: A historic house with unique architecture.
- Southernmost House: A beautiful Victorian-style mansion.
- Thompson Fish House, Turtle Cannery and Kraals: Learn about the island's fishing and turtle industry history.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House: The historic winter home of President Harry S. Truman.
- Western Union (schooner): A historic schooner, a type of sailing ship.
Gallery
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Southernmost House, a Victorian-style mansion in Old Town Key West.
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Former Key West Customshouse, now the Museum of Art & History in Old Town Key West.
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The Bull & Whistle bars, in Old Town Key West.
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Images for kids
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Birthplace of Pan American Airlines in June 2020
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Ernest Hemingway Home in June 2020
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Fogartys Mansion in June 2020
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J. Vining and Florida Curry Harris House in June 2020
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USS Maine Memorial & Graves - June 2020
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Key West Lighthouse - January 2020
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Little White House - June 2020
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Monroe County Courthouse - June 2020
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Sloppy Joe's Bar - June 2022
