The Tragic History of Key West, Florida and the Dry Tortugas

In this episode: 7 Mile Bridge; Flagler’s Florida Railway; Sloppy Joe’s Bar and Old Town Key West; The Southernmost House and Point (What is it really?); East Martello Tower; Key West Forts; Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson
In this enthralling travel adventure with View-Master Travels, we embark on a fascinating journey through the mesmerizing landscapes and rich history of Key West and the Overseas Highway. Our adventure begins by immersing us in the audacious vision of Henry Flagler, the oil magnate who dreamed of connecting the remote island of Key West to the rest of the country by constructing a monumental railway across the ocean. We get a glimpse of Flagler's unwavering determination and the incredible challenges his project faced, from the wrath of hurricanes to the sacrifices of many lives, all of which eventually led to the construction of the awe-inspiring bridges and highways that now make Key West easily accessible.
The video takes us on a walk through Key West's charming Old Town, a place that exudes an intoxicating blend of history and a vibrant atmosphere. We explore iconic sites like Sloppy Joe's Bar, a watering hole with strong ties to the famous author Ernest Hemingway, and the Southernmost House, a majestic mansion boasting a rich and intriguing past. We also uncover the delightful anecdote behind the "Southernmost Point Monument," an amusing and unexpected tourist attraction, making us appreciate the quirkiness that Key West has to offer.
Our journey reaches its zenith with the exploration of Fort Jefferson, a colossal and remote fort with a tumultuous history, revealing its unique features and the historical significance that looms large within its walls. This video invites us to dive headfirst into a world brimming with captivating stories and breathtaking landscapes, painting a vivid portrait of Key West's extraordinary history and cultural treasures.
Video Credits:
Southernmost point webcam is at: southernmostpo...
Southernmost point birthday party: • Southernmost Buoy Birt...
Image Credits:
Joe Russel and Hemingway in a boat: Florida Keys Public Library
Southernmost house in 1936: Florida Keys History Center
What a Manhole Looks Like: blog.wincan.com
Sound Effect Credits:
Traffic under a bridge: freesound.org/...
Abney Park cemetery ambience: freesound.org/...
Sound of crossing the Gregory St Bridge: freesound.org/...
Traffic at a medium intersection: freesound.org/...
Jazz bar ambience: freesound.org/...
Sound outside a bar: freesound.org/...
Bicycle ride: freesound.org/...
Ambience, Seaside Waves: freesound.org/...
Ambient tropical sounds: freesound.org/...
Quiet street corner: freesound.org/...
Airplane flyby: freesound.org/...

[@jennyk2022]

Love how you used the two old maps to fly us over the sights! I love looking at old maps and bird's eye views!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks! Those bird’s eye maps are really cool to look at.

[@mikewatson4644]

very interesting. Like how you are able to find old maps to help locate the views

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks!

[@michaelpowers9307]

As always primo! Took me back to the early 1970's when I traveled there with friends.

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Thanks!

[@paulw4310]

Truth be told, I liked KW a LOT more back in the day, in my case the mid 80s, than I do now. It's still a cool place, but it can't hold a candle to back when!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

@paulw4310 My wife agrees😊

[@paulw4310]

Quick trivia: The Sloppy Joe's Bar in which Hemmingway did most of his drinking is the bar that became, and still is, Captain Tony's. It's a short half block walk away on Greene St. Only for about the last year and a half or two years of his residence in KW did he drink at the "new" place.
PS That parking garage they built at the airport is a travesty. It destroyed the fantastic view of walking out of the terminal and looking across A1A at the Atlantic.

[@viewmastertravels5114]

I agree on that parking garage, sticks out like a sore thumb. 👍

[@paulw4310]

@@viewmastertravels5114 🎵They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot🎵

[@stephenbaumann9964]

Woulda been cool if ya threw a bit about ROBERT !!…. That scary little bastard!!

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Ooo, not sure who Robert is? Can you explain?

[@nytom4info]

true lies...we were there!

[@lucasbruhn8523]

Born and raised in key west. Many
Facts reference in this video are incorrect.

[@viewmastertravels5114]

Like which ones?

[@karnatorgersen9088]

P r o m o S M 🙂