Key West and The Miraculous Journey of Florida's Oversea Highway

Experience a fascinating journey along Florida's Overseas Highway. A feat of engineering and testament to human tenacity, the Highway, also known as Highway 1, spans 113 miles, linking Miami to Key West through a chain of islands dotting the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

This marvel's roots trace back to Henry Morrison Flagler's ambitious vision. Co-founder of Standard Oil, Flagler saw potential in Florida. His bold idea of the Over-Sea Railroad, connecting mainland Florida to Key West, laid the foundations of the modern Overseas Highway. Amidst enormous challenges, the Railroad was completed in 1912, only to be devastated by a powerful hurricane in 1935.

Rising from the ashes, the defunct Railroad was transformed into the modern Overseas Highway, incorporating old railway bridges like the iconic Seven Mile Bridge at Pigeon Key. This marked a significant turning point in the history of the Florida Keys.

The journey along the Overseas Highway introduces Key Largo, the first Key, home to the only living coral reef in the continental U.S., followed by Islamorada, renowned for its sport fishing and sandy beaches. The Highway continues through Marathon and the historic Pigeon Key, featuring the legacy of the old Railroad.

The journey culminates at Key West, a vibrant history, culture, and natural beauty city. The impact of Flagler's Over-Sea Railroad and the Overseas Highway on the development and tourism in the Florida Keys has been transformative. Today, millions of people are lured by the charm of these tropical islands, linked by the extraordinary Overseas Highway.

BBC Article: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230528-the-overseas-highway-the-us-floating-highway