Key West-Fun in the Sun and Night's Delights

Beech

Key West is a resort Island that hosts a whole range of fun activities for both individuals and families. Recently, I visited the island during an academic conference focused on international Academic works. Despite being busy preparing and presenting my own research there were a few hours where I could find some time to explore the local scene. If you think of Key West you should also think of Cuban culture and life. Its orientation is very much Spanish with American spicing.

The day attraction rests on sandy white beaches that draw thousands of visitors every year. The beaches are located not far from the airport and near the string of local resorts. The beaches are dotted with people of all ages trying to obtain a quick sun tan before heading back to wherever they are from. The beaches are well groomed and clean. At Smather’s Beach you can parasail, rent hobie cates, windsurf, kayak and paddle boards. It’s a fun time!

Duval Street

The night life on Key West is equally full of fun and excitement. The majority of the party is on Duval Street and a few blocks thereof. Everything is within walking distance. This includes bars, restaurants, night clubs, street vendors and stores. The streets are crowded even on a Monday and Tuesday evening as vacation travelers and locals head to the area for some entertainment. Be careful because one could easily overdue it in this area. 

The island also hosts glass bottom tours, parks, shopping, fishing escapades, and historical sites. There are plenty of things to do from small children to senior citizens. This may be why it is attractive as a tourist destination.  It would be wise to note that due to the Spanish culture just about everything from the local vendors have a stated and a negotiated price. Don’t be afraid to ask for a price reduction, a volume discount, or any other type of strategic haggle. The islands history is of the Spanish economic mindset.

Cigar Industry

Key West was originally inhabited by the Calusa people. They arrived in the area around 12,000 years ago and lived primarily with the diet of fish. Their society was stratified with a few leaders such as the chief, the priest, and the military leader running the daily order of society.  Their daily existence was well structured and some earthen mounds were used within their villages. Fishing nets were developed to maintain and grow their expanding empire. 

The island was discovered by Juan Ponce de León in 1521. After that time it made its way into the Spanish kingdom. Land disputes occurred when the Spanish Governor of Cuba deeded the island to the artillery officer Juan Pablo Salas. Salas was so excited to get rid of the island he sold it twice to an American business owner and also through a sloop trader to the former governor of South Carolina. The dispute ended when a naval ship put the American flag on the Island claiming it for the government and giving it the name Key West.

Marriot Resort

It is amazing to look at the power of history within islands like this. The way people perceive their existence on the island, the historical Spanish past, the fishing history of the natives, and the cigar manufacturing of Cuba all have something to do with the unique attraction of the area. It is a place of difference that many Americans are not familiar with. Whether one is walking on the beach or walking from bar to bar it is possible to see the underpinnings of its past everywhere.

The Mythical History of Fort East Martello in Key West Florida

If you are in search of a historical get-a-way with a little bit of mystery you might want to visit Fort East Martello in Key West Florida. The old fort is located right next to the airport so you cannot miss it on either your way in or your way out.  It is both educational and thought provoking. Families can enjoy teaching their children about the history of the Civil War as well as the freakish nature of the Chucky Doll. If this hasn’t scared them into your arms then you might want to read some of the spooky letters of customers who did not believe! 

During the civil war Fort East Martello was designed as additional protection for the Key West Island. Construction began in 1862 but was halted and eventually abandoned by the U.S. Army at the end of the Civil War. Not a single battle was won or fought in the West Keys region throughout the entire era of this conflict. It remained a place of teenage fun and partying until the Historical Society adopted the fort in the 1950s. Through both local and national donations they were able to clean up, restore and open to the public a little piece of history and wonderment. 

Within the museum visitors will see a variety of wooden art pieces by Mario Sanchez and metal works by Stanley Papio. Displays also include the history of the Island, WWI, WWII, The Spanish-American War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Cannons still face the water as if to protect the fort from the onslaught of present day skidoos, surfers, and wind sailors. The site also hosts a gift shop with the local writings from Ernest Hemmingway, Key West history, Ghost Stories and other historical tid bits. 

Walking into the gallery one gets the sense that history is not so far in the past. From the dust covered floors, the eerie walkways, and the horse drawn hearse you become aware that this is a place of mystery. Among the relics of the Union Army is the knowledge that two swaths of yellow fever and a devastating hurricane slowed the construction of the fort. Carpenters changed effort from building the military instillation to building coffins for solders who suffocated under muggy hot weather.  The fort was never completed and became a lost cause.  

The abandonment of the fort is part of the haunted legend of the area. Some say that new exploding cannonballs made the fort useless as a military instillation. Others indicated that the fevers, death and setbacks were part of the haunted history of a project that ended in disaster. Whatever the reason the fort was abandoned it is seen today as a remarkable piece of military history and local historical legend. 

One of the mystical stories of Fort Martello remains encapsulated with Robert the Doll. As the legend states, a young Haitian girl made the straw doll for Robert Otto. As a boy, Robert had a natural inclination for mischief making and boyish trouble. When he was caught he would say, “Robert did it!” and point to the doll.  The saying was adopted throughout the Key West area as a way of skirting responsibility.  If there is no one to blame- it must have been Robert!

Further legend indicates that Robert the Doll was made with Haitian voodoo magic and can cause all types of havoc in people’s lives. This doll was further characterized into the modern movie starring Chucky from Child’s Play that has frightened an entire generation. The doll took on the personality of his ill-tempered owner Robert Otto and spreads this evil spirit into other’s lives. 

Before being relocated to the museum Robert Otto placed the doll in the attic and forgot about it until his death.  At such time neighbors began to recall an “evil giggle”, followed by a rustling noise, coming from the attic. A few have even witnessed the doll peering down from the window in the darkest hours of the night. Today letters flood the museum, posted on its wall, asking Robert for forgiveness as their lives and relationships have been ruined after failing to ask permission to take his picture. 

The battery and center tower are a great place to look out over the bay. There is no wonder why the military chose this spot as an ideal location to build an instillation to protect the local islands. Inside each of the rooms are large fireplaces still blackened from the fires of the original military inhabitants. Parts of the fort have crumbled away but have only succeeded in improving its overall charm. It is worth the $7 admissions and the hour you spend exploring the past. 

Robert the Doll-The inspiration for Chucky in Child's Play

I can’t remember if you were supposed to ask for permission to TAKE the picture or LOOK at the picture? Oops…I guess I should have mentioned that earlier. 

3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West, Florida 33040
1 (305) 296-3913

http://www.kwahs.org/visit/fort-east-martello/