Key West, the southernmost point

in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architechture.

Why is Key West so important?

Throughout the history of the Florida Keys, the deepwater port of Key West attracted pirates such as Blackbeard and Jean LaFitte. ... The military constructed Fort Taylor in 1845 and in 1846 began Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, 60 miles off Key West. In 1832, Key West became a full-fledged city.

What is so special about the Florida Keys?

Designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 1990, the Keys are surrounded by the continental United States' only living-coral barrier reef (third largest in the world), encompassing more than 2,900 nautical miles of protected waters.