Long Key facts for kids
View of sunset from the city of Layton.
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 Long Key
Location in Florida
Long Key
Location in Caribbean
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Gulf of Mexico |
| Coordinates | 24°49′08″N 80°48′50″W / 24.819°N 80.814°W |
| Administration | |
| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe |
Long Key is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Florida Keys. It is known for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for campers and nature lovers. Long Key was once called Cayo Víbora by early Spanish explorers. This name means "Rattlesnake Key." They probably named it this because the island's shape looks a bit like a snake with its mouth open. The small city of Layton is also found on Long Key.
U.S. 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, crosses Long Key. It runs from about mile markers 65.5 to 71. This highway connects Long Key with Fiesta Key and Conch Key. Long Key is home to Long Key State Park, which is a favorite place for people who enjoy camping and nature. The campsites are right on the beach, but they can be a bit noisy because of the nearby highway. Long Key is smaller and less developed than its neighbors, Islamorada to the northeast and Marathon to the southwest.
Exploring Long Key's Past
Long Key has an interesting history, especially with the development of transportation in the Florida Keys. In the late 1800s, a man named C.W. Pierce visited the key in his boat, the Bonton. He stopped at the lower end of the island to get fresh water from a cistern, which is a tank for collecting rainwater.
Later, during the time when the railroad was built through the Keys, Long Key became an important stop. It was a depot site, meaning it was a place where trains could stop and supplies could be stored. It was also the location of the famous Long Key Fishing Camp. This camp was well-known and attracted many people who loved to fish.
Learning on Long Key
Even though Long Key is a small island, it is part of the Monroe County School District. Students living on Long Key are zoned to attend Plantation Key Elementary School. This school serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade and is located in Plantation Key.
