In 1927, Pan American Airways, the world’s first international airline, was founded in Key West. Its first flight connected Key West to Havana, Cuba, marking the beginning of a new era in air travel. This little-known piece of history highlights the city’s role as a gateway between the United States and the Caribbean. The remains of Pan Am’s original ticket office still stand today as a reminder of Key West’s contribution to aviation history, adding another unique fact about Key West to its storied background.

While Florida was part of the Confederacy, Key West remained under Union control throughout the Civil War. Fort Zachary Taylor, built to protect the harbor, became a key strategic point for the Union Navy. This unique fact about Key West underscores its strategic importance during the war, as well as its contrasting role in a state that otherwise sided with the Confederacy. Visitors to Fort Zachary Taylor today can explore the historic site and learn about its role in one of America’s most turbulent periods.

In 1982, Key West declared itself the “Conch Republic” as a playful protest against a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint that was disrupting tourism. The lighthearted secession was meant to draw attention to the island’s grievances and has since become a symbol of local pride and resilience. This whimsical act of defiance remains one of the most unique facts about Key West, celebrated every April with the Conch Republic Independence Celebration — a weeklong festival that embodies the island’s fun-loving spirit and independence.

The Overseas Highway, a marvel of modern engineering, connects Key West to the mainland of Florida through a series of 42 bridges. Stretching 113 miles, this scenic route provides breathtaking views of the ocean and the keys. It was built on the remains of the old Overseas Railroad, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. This fact about Key West’s connection to the mainland showcases the determination to keep the island accessible and connected, turning the drive to Key West into an unforgettable journey.

The structure known as the Harry S. Truman Little White House was initially constructed in 1890 as an officer’s quarters for a naval station in Key West. It later became a winter retreat for President Truman. One of the unique facts about Key West is that President Truman spent 175 days of his presidency here. The home has hosted several other U.S. presidents and remains a place where history comes alive. Today, it is a museum that offers a glimpse into Truman’s time on the island, highlighting its role in American political history.

One of the more unique facts about Key West is that it sits at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico. This geographical feature creates a diverse marine ecosystem, attracting divers and marine biologists from around the world. It also makes Key West a prime location for water sports like snorkeling, fishing and sailing. The merging of these two bodies of water contributes to the island’s stunning natural beauty and rich marine life, offering endless opportunities for adventure.

Key West’s history is filled with tales of sunken treasure. One of the most famous treasure finds is the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank near the island during a hurricane in 1622. Discovered by treasure hunter Mel Fisher in 1985, the Atocha’s bounty included gold, silver and emeralds, making it one of the richest shipwreck discoveries in history. The lure of hidden treasure is one of the strange things about Key West that continues to attract adventurers and dreamers alike.

Isaac Allerton, one of the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower, later became a successful merchant in Key West. He played a significant role in salvaging shipwrecks in the area, which was a booming industry due to the dangerous reefs surrounding the island. This unique historical twist adds to the strange allure of Key West, blending early American history with tales of maritime adventure and fortune.

Shipwrecks are a significant part of Key West’s maritime history. The treacherous reefs off its shores have caused many vessels to run aground, leading to a thriving salvage industry. One of the most enduring legends is that of a pirate ship that supposedly sank near the island, carrying a treasure trove of gold and jewels. The exact location of this wreck remains a mystery, but the story continues to inspire treasure hunters to search the waters around Key West.

The Key West Lighthouse, built in 1825, is known for its stunning views and its haunted history. Visitors and staff have reported seeing the ghost of Barbara Mabrity, one of the first female lighthouse keepers, who took over after her husband’s death. The lighthouse is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who perished during hurricanes and other tragic events. The eerie atmosphere of the lighthouse makes it a favorite spot for ghost tours, adding a spine-chilling element to the unique and strange things about Key West.

The San Pedro and Santa Margarita were part of the 1733 Spanish treasure fleet that sank in a hurricane near the Florida Keys. These shipwrecks, along with the Atocha, have become legendary among divers and historians. Many artifacts recovered from these wrecks are now displayed in local museums, offering a glimpse into the perilous voyages of Spanish explorers. The stories of these shipwrecks are one of the strange things about Key West that reveal the dangers and riches that have shaped its history.

Mallory Square^SM, known for its vibrant sunset celebrations, is also rumored to be haunted. According to local lore, the spirit of a woman who met a tragic end at the square can still be seen wandering the area at night. Her apparition has become one of the many strange things about Key West that locals and tourists alike are eager to witness, blending the city’s festive atmosphere with its eerie legends.

The Hemingway Home in Key West is not only a literary landmark but also a place of ghostly tales. Some visitors claim to have seen the spirit of Ernest Hemingway himself, still roaming the grounds and watching over his former home. His presence is said to linger in the rooms where he wrote some of his greatest works, adding to the mystique of this beloved Key West site.

Capt Tony’s Saloon is one of the oldest bars in Key West, known for its colorful history and ghostly legends. Among the spirits said to haunt the bar is the Lady in Blue, a mysterious figure who is believed to have been buried beneath the bar after meeting a tragic fate. Her ghost is said to make appearances.

In Key West Cemetery, tales of a spirit known as the Bahamian Guardian abound. This spectral figure is said to watch over the resting place of the island’s deceased, ensuring that visitors show respect. Some claim to have heard her whisper warnings or even felt a presence urging them to behave properly while wandering the cemetery grounds. The story of the Bahamian Guardian adds a protective yet eerie element to the unique facts about Key West that make its folklore so compelling.