Key West - The southernmost city in the continental USA

Southernmost city

Monument marking the southernmost point in the continental United States accessible by civilians, located at the corner of South Street and Whitehead Street.

One of the biggest attractions on the island is a concrete replica of a buoy at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets that claims to be the southernmost point in the contiguous 48 states. The point was originally just marked with a sign, which was often stolen. In response to this, the city of Key West erected the now famous monument in 1983. Brightly painted and labeled "SOUTHERNMOST POINT CONTINENTAL U.S.A.", it is one of the most visited and photographed attractions in Key West.
However, the marker is not located at the southernmost point in the continental United States, as discussed below:

• Land on the Truman Annex property just west of the buoy is the true southernmost point, but it has no marker since it is U.S. Navy land and cannot be entered by civilian tourists.
• The private yards directly to the east of the buoy and the beach areas of Truman Annex and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park also lie farther south than the buoy.
• The farthest-south location that the public can visit is the beach at the state park for a small entrance fee.
• The farthest-south location that the public can visit for free is the seaward end of the White Street Pier.
• Florida's--and thus CONUSs--true physically southernmost point is Ballast Key, a private island owned by David W. Wolkowsky, a wealthy developer, about 10 miles (16 km) west of Key West. Although Ballast Key is located within both the Key West National Wildlife Refuge and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, signs on the island strictly prohibit unauthorized visitors.

The claim "90 Miles to Cuba" on the monument is only approximate, since Cuba at its closest point is 94 statute miles (151 km) from Key West.
Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain.
Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home.
Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams.
Marvel at the accomplishment of Henry Flagler, an oil tycoon whose Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad train made its first journey to Key West on Jan. 12, 1912, literally connecting the previously isolated Florida Keys with the mainland for the first time, forever changing the face of the island chain.
Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow's fine art treasures by Key West's well-known and unknown artists.

In Key West, you can visit these and a host of other attractions by taking advantage of convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet. For a visual introduction to the sights of Key West, please peruse our iPix virtual panoramic tours.

With its balmy weather and crystal blue skies, the island is famous among the outdoors set for its diving, fishing, watersports and golfing at the nearby Key West Golf Club, a course designed by Rees Jones. But only in Key West would the sun shine the brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock.

Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on our stages.

As you enjoy these sights, you'll discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are welcome. The city's vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the island's economic and social revival in the 1980's. ONE HUMAN FAMILY is the official philosophy of the island community of Key West and Monroe County; a simple motto which serves not only as a shining example of daily life here, but as one that is openly shared with global neighbors throughout the world.

However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers.

Source: http://www.fla-keys.com/keywest/