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US 1 is used to travel the
islands of the Florida Keys. Locations along the highway are expressed
by Mile Marker numbers. The zero Mile Marker is found in Key West at
the Monroe County Courthouse. Mile Marker numbers continue to increase
until they pass through the Monroe County line at Mile Marker 112 north
of Key Largo. Look for small green signs with white numbers posted at
each mile along US1 (these used to be the original mile posts installed
along the old railroad bed).
MM 87-86
Both
the Rain Barrel (MM86.7) and Treasure Village (MM86.7) complexes hosts
arts and craft shows, usually several throughout the year. They are
great places to stop for a stretch and do a little shopping.
MM 85
Windley
Key was originally two islands called Umbrella Keys because of their U
shape. A land bridge connects them, so the name was changed to Windley
Key, allegedly honoring an early settler. The Florida East Coast
Railroad purchased the land in 1908. The FECR turned it into a quarry
and began excavating large amounts of limestone to supply material for
railroad embankments. No one has quarried the limestone recently but
students, scientists and geology buffs often visit the Windley Key to
admire and study the fossilized coral patterns exposed on the quarry
walls. This is now a geological historic site, owned by the state of
Florida.
MM 84
Another
quarry on the ocean side of Windley Key is the site of Theater of the
Sea (MM84.5), one of the oldest attractions in Florida. Opened 47 years
ago, the theater offers a show starring sea creatures such as rays,
turtles, sharks, sea lions and dolphins. It is also one of several
locations in the Keys where you can arrange to swim with the playful
bottlenose dolphins.
Whale Harbor separates Windley Key and Upper
Matecumbe Key, and on both sides of the inlet, the marinas bristle with
the outriggers and tuna towers of the sportfishing fleets. In this
area, you'll spot the massive Holiday Isle complex, which features
myriad hotels, motels, restaurants, water sports charters and other
activities. Holiday Isle sponsors numerous festivals, sports and
special events and celebrations throughout the year.
MM 83-81
Welcome
to Islamorada's business district. Originally a farming area, the
arrival of the railroad in 1906 brought development to the area. By the
time the Overseas Highway opened in 1938, the area had already become a
world-class fishing center and resort. At MM81.1-Bayside is Tarpon
Flats, where former President Bush has visited.
MM 80-78
The
Lignumvitae State Botanical Site, located Bayside at MM78.5 on 280-acre
Lignumvitae Key, boasts the highest point above sea level in the Keys
at 18 feet. The virgin hammock boasts more than 133 species of trees,
including its namesake, the lignum vitae tree which often grows more
than 1,000 years old. The wood of this tree (wood of life trees which
rank among the world's hardest woods) is so dense that it has been
known to outlast steel and bronze when used to outfit boats.
A
coral rock house, built in 1919 by Miami pioneer, W.J. Matheson, and an
adjacent 12,000 gallon cistern and windmill depicts life in that era.
Park rangers conduct guided tours through the island and house. There
is no road access to the island; however boat tours are available at
MM77.5.
Indian Key State Historical Site, a 12-acre island, is
located at MM78.5-Oceanside. In 1836 Indian Key was a thriving
wrecker's village under John Jacob Housman, who made his fortune as a
marine salvor. The Dade County seat was established here, but the
settlement was burned to the ground in 1840, when Seminole Indians
became angered by threats from Housman. The island was abandoned.
Existing ruins on the island have been stabilized, and excavation of
artifacts continues. Original ruins can be seen from a self-guided
trail system.
In 1733, a hurricane crashed 21 Spanish galleons
into Florida shores. The first of these was spotted in 1947. Not all of
the wrecks have been discovered, although the most recent discovery
occurred in the early 60's, when a local diver discovered the El
Infante inside the reef at 30 feet.
Today, divers still encounter coins and artifacts. The area has become the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Park.
MM 77-69
Further
south, next to Channel Two, (Channel Two Bridge) lies Caloosa Cove,
world-famous for tarpon. Craig Key, just over 5 miles south of Indian
Key, is the site of a 1733 Spanish shipwreck.
MM 68-66
Long
Key State Recreation Area (MM67.5) offers picnic and camping areas,
nature trail tours and canoe trips. The shallow tidal flats and
mangrove-lined lagoons are home to several species of marine life,
birds and other wildlife.
Leaving Craig Key for Fiesta Key, there is
another area favored by tarpon as well as campers; a large campground,
located at the east end of Long Key, MM66. It's no wonder that
author/sportsman Zane Grey convinced Henry Flagler to convert his
railroad camp on Long Key into a sportfishing lodge.
Incorporated in
1963, the city of Layton occupies 120 acres on the ocean side of Long
Key and is one of three incorporated cities in Monroe County (the other
two are Key West , Key Colony Beach.)
MM 65-63
The
second-longest bridge in the Keys is the Long Key bridge. The building
of the 2.3 mile span made use of some of the most innovative
bridge-building techniques. The bridge is 12,040 feet long and connects
Long Key with the Conch Key, the first of the Keys in the Marathon
area.
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