Geography of Key West
Key West, Florida, the seat of Monroe County. The city occupies the island of Key West, westernmost of the Florida Keys. The island, about 4 miles (6 km) long and nearly 2 miles (3 km) wide, is about 130 miles (210 km) southwest of Miami. The Overseas Highway connects it to the Florida mainland. Tourists are attracted by the city's year-round subtropical climate; tourism is its chief economic activity. Many Key West residents are commercial fishermen. Key West Naval Air Station is on adjacent Boca Chica Key.
Key West, along with the Florida mainland, belonged to Spain until it was purchased by the United States in 1819. A naval base was established to clear the area of pirates. The town was incorporated in 1828. During the Civil War, it remained under Union control because of Northern naval superiority. The island was a favorite vacation place of President Harry Truman.
Population: 25,478.