Key West is located in Monroe County west of Marathon along US Hwy 1. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Keys.
Originally called "Cayo Hueso" (Island of Bones ), one can only conclude that Key West was perhaps once a burial ground for the Caloosa Indians, but no one has found any bones to-date. Ponce de Leon claimed Key West for Spain in 1513, and later came under British rule in 1763. Key West officially became a city and a part of Florida in 1826.
Today, everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. Once the sun is safely tucked away by mimes, jugglers, musicians and street artists, the city transforms into festival mode. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive.
