The most prominent landmark in the area around Pier B and the main business district of Old Town Key West is the Custom House. It was built at the end of the 19th century to house the custom's office, the post office and the federal district court. Later it was passed to the Navy who used it as a headquarters for operations in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In 1991, it was purchased by the State of Florida, which leased it to the Key West Art & Historical Society as a museum.
Museum exhibits focus on local history and exhibits by local artists. |
Nearby are two museums with a maritime theme.
In 1985, Mel Fisher discovered the wreck of a Spanish galleon, which contained a multi-million dollar treasure trove. The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum carries forward his work with exhibits on marine archaeology and conservation. Exhibits include various treasure items discovered under the sea as well as an exhibit about the slave trade. |
In the 19th century, Key West grew wealthy and prosperous in part because of shipwrecks. When a ship would wreck in the reefs surrounding the keys, salvage parties would go out to recover the cargo and anything valuable from the ship. The Key West Shipwreck Museum tells the story of this industry. Using actors, film and artifacts, the museum illustrates this story by focusing on the recovery of the vessel Issac Allerton.
|
|
|
Cruise destination - Key West, Florida - Key West attractions - page one