This route runs through the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys, connecting Key Largo with Key West across a series of low islands linked by bridges and roadways that cross the ocean. The itinerary follows a fragile territory shaped by coral geography and by the constant interaction between land and sea.
The route largely follows the former railroad corridor built in the early twentieth century, a key engineering work for integrating the Keys with the rest of the state. After the railroad was destroyed by the 1935 hurricane, many of these structures were reused or adapted for road traffic, leaving a visible imprint along the route.
Along the way, the route passes through island communities whose development was linked to fishing, navigation, and more recently, tourism. The landscape alternates between mangroves, coral keys, and wide open views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, offering a singular experience within the continental territory of the United States.
Arrival in Key West, historically one of the most important enclaves of the American Caribbean, brings the journey to an end and allows for an understanding of the geographical, historical, and cultural uniqueness of the Florida Keys.
The complete route and its historical context are part of Discovering Florida – Volume 2.
