Little Torch Key facts for kids
Aerial view of Little Torch Key
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 Little Torch Key
Location in Florida
Little Torch Key
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 24°39′56″N 81°23′26″W / 24.66566°N 81.390603°W |
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| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe |
Little Torch Key is a small island located in the lower part of the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, United States. This island is a peaceful spot, mostly home to people who live and work in the nearby areas like Big Pine Key and Key West.
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About Little Torch Key
Little Torch Key is a quiet island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is part of the Monroe County in Florida. The island is a popular place for locals to live. It also welcomes visitors who want a peaceful stay, even if they plan to visit Key West.
Getting Around
The main road that crosses Little Torch Key is U.S. Route 1. This road is also known as the Overseas Highway. It connects many of the Florida Keys. You can find Little Torch Key between mile markers 28 and 29 on this highway. It is located just after Big Pine Key when you are heading southwest. It comes before Middle Torch Key.
What's on the Island?
Little Torch Key is about 24 miles (39 km) from the popular city of Key West. It is not a very busy island. There are only a few businesses here. You can find some restaurants and places to stay if you visit. Most people who live here work in the bigger nearby islands.
Naming the Island
Little Torch Key gets its name from a special tree. This tree is called the torchwood tree. Its scientific name is Amyris elemifera L. This type of tree grows naturally in the area. People believe the island was named after this tree because it was common there.
History and Famous Visitors
The northern part of Little Torch Key used to have a small settlement. A settlement is like a small town or community. This settlement was abandoned in 1938. This happened when the main highway was moved to a different path.
Little Torch Key is also known for a famous visitor. Harry S. Truman, who was a U.S. President, often came here to fish. It was one of his favorite fishing spots. In 2009, a resort on Little Torch Key was even named one of the "Top 10 most romantic retreats" by a news agency.
