When it comes to diversity Key West has it. In fact, the diversity of our population, the opportunities available here and the natural world around us are pretty much at the heart of Key West’s ability to survive and prosper. And this is nothing new. This is the very essence of Key West!
One of the first industries to put our community on the financial road to wealth came as a result of the abundance of the high quality, beautiful sponges in the waters stretching from Key West along the Florida coast all the way to Apalachicola Bay. These bi-valves always have been renowned for being the best quality sponges in the world.
In one of those bad news/good news scenarios, the Great Depression put an end to that industry and left many locals without jobs. The good news is that thanks to the halt in harvesting and subsequent protective legislation, these beautiful residents of our coastal waters have been able to recover their numbers, which may not have happened if the commercial harvesting had continued.
Most people don’t know that in its heydays in the 1800s Key West was the richest city per capita income of anywhere in the United States! Much of that wealth came as a result of the hard work of an unlikely group of immigrants, the cigar makers of Cuba! During and after the Cuban Revolution of 1868 these highly skilled artists fled Cuba and over 6000 of them had settled in Key West by 1890.
In a happy turn of fate they brought a new industry to the Keys while not competing with the existing population. Rather, Key West’s industry base and reputation in the world was expanded by the new residents. Our cigars became known around the world and signs used to promote them even influenced advertising art in Europe, especially in Germany.
The Cubans who moved here to make cigars also introduced a new style of architecture. The shotgun-types of houses, known as “cigar maker cottages,” are still in evidence and popular among Key West home buyers … when they can find one available!
Fortunately, recent years have seen resurgence in the appreciation of fine cigars. As a result of this, the cigar makers are working harder than ever, producing their amazing “art.” Where else but in Key West can you buy a super fresh cigar, dive in nearby waters to see a diversity of sea life wonders like our lovely sponges and maybe even be visited by a big green sea turtle?! They are another of the many wonders that await you in Key West.
Whether you are a cigar aficionado, a reef diver, an artist, or just someone who likes the beauty of nature and the diversity of life, these are just a few more reasons to want to live in beautiful Key West. If you’re interested in real estate in this attractive area contact me, Jimmy Lane, at Key West Real Estate: 305-766-0585.