Visit the Conch Republic During Your Key West Vacation

Have you ever wonder how the name "Conch Republic" came from? On our recent visit to Key West, this is what I wanted to learn about.

The Florida Keys are a string of islands stretching from the southeast Florida mainland in into the blue Caribbean Sea. Today, all the islands are accessible by road, and it is such a nice pleasure to drive along to islands and cross over bridges, as there is an Overseas Highway from island to island. The northern island is Key Largo and about midway is Marathon Island. The farthest western island is called Key West. All islands are called "The Florida Keys".

The Florida Keys is popular vacation destination. Key West, especially, has a reputation as a great place for artists, boaters, snorkel and peaceful little town lovers. For a long time the local residents have referred to themselves as "Conches", due to the many conch shells that can be found on the island.

Some years back, in order to control drug and other smuggling from the western Keys, US Customs set up a checkpoint along the Overseas Highway. Traffic backed up for miles. Since the Overseas Highway is the only way for residents and tourists to get in and out of the Florida Keys by car, the residents were furious.

The civic leaders of Key West announced that they were seceding from the United States and forming an independent Conch Republic. A flag was designed and they began selling "Conch Republic" passports to tourist visitors and Florida Keys residents. The Conch Republic was established on April 23rd, 1982 in response to a United States Border Patrol Blockade setup on highway U.S.1 at Florida City just to the north of the Florida Keys. Of course, the "secession" was not at all legal.