Why Key West Was Originally Named "Bone Island
The fierce Calusa Indians were said to leave the remains of their enemies on the beaches of Key West, thus creating Key West's first name, Cayo Hueso... Island of Bones.
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Why Key West Was Originally Named "Bone Island
The fierce Calusa Indians were said to leave the remains of their enemies on the beaches of Key West, thus creating Key West's first name, Cayo Hueso... Island of Bones.
Key West; The Cigar Capital of The World?
During Cuba's war of independence from Spain in 1868 thousands of Cuban emigres and skilled cigar makers fled to freedom 90 miles northward, transforming Key West's population from 2,832 in 1860 to over 18,080. By 1890, over 100 million cigars a year were produced. Key West became the 13th largest port of the United States and the cigar capital of the world, with the first successful industrial community in the South.
Key West's Giant Butterflies
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is home to the female Queen Alexandra's Birdwing is considered the world's largest butterfly measuring up to 11" in wingspan.