Key West Then And Now
January 22, 1912
Flagler’s railroad arrived in Key West on January 22, 1912, and the Island City was changed forever. The Conch Tour Train is proud to be the legacy of Henry Flagler’s engineering miracle. In 1958, the World-Famous Conch Tour Train began its first journey—transporting visitors back to the past, sharing thrilling accounts of pirates and Indians, visionaries and artists, and moguls and politicians. Our engineers showcased the glorious architecture and stunning tropical scenery while sharing amusing accounts of the extraordinary moments in time that reveal why there’s no place on earth quite like Key West.
Now it’s your turn to climb aboard the Conch Train. Climb to the top of a real 65-foot observation tower at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Go back to the days when Cuban cigar-makers hand-rolled cigars in Mallory Square as you stroll through the Cayo Hueso y Habana Historeum. Learn about Mel Fisher’s lifelong search for the Spanish galleons and the day when he finally found $450 million worth of treasure. See the wonder and the magic that exemplify the unique personality of America’s Southernmost City. On your Conch Train tour, you will get an overview of the stores and shops in Key West. Later you can crawl Duval at your own pace and enjoy the best Key West shopping has to offer. On board the Conch Tour Train, every moment will be memorable.
Henry Flagler
Ernest Hemingway, Harry S. Truman and many others
Henry Flagler found it so alluring that he built what many deemed the impossible: a railroad extension 130 miles out to sea—just to connect it with the rest of the world. Today, it serves as an everlasting tribute to Flagler and his crew who made it a reality. Ernest Hemingway lived and played as one of the locals while creating some of his best-loved stories. Harry S. Truman came for a few days’ rest and stayed for hundreds more in the famous Little White House. And many others, John Audubon, Tennessee Williams, poets, artists and leaders, were drawn here to discover the island paradise they heard so much about. Only in Key West could so many different people from many different parts of the world, come together, live together and be free to be who they are.
Centuries before, native Indians ruled the land and left the remains of their enemies right on the sand after defeating them. So many bones lay on the beach that the island was named Cayo Hueso or Bone Key. Later, settlers came and many trade ships carrying valuable cargo were victims to the treacherous reefs and weather. Wreckers, as they were called, made fortunes salvaging the wreckage and selling their treasures to people from all over the world. It was a time of affluence—a time when Key West was considered to be the wealthiest city in America. Hand-rolled Cuban cigars, sea sponges and wrecker auctions brought visitors in droves to the island—helping the economy and the island’s popularity grow.
Unlike anywhere else in the United States, Key West’s history is amazing and intriguing — abundant with colorful characters, spine-tingling adventures, famous and infamous talents and distinct architecture set in the world’s most marvelous haven of eco-splendor. And the story has yet to end…
Today millions of people flock to Key West to witness its beauty, to raise a ruckus, to be captivated by its entrancing allure and to experience true Key West vacations — once-in-a-lifetime getaways not to be forgotten.
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TOUR KEY WEST AND TWO TOP ATTRACTIONS
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
Discover the undersea world at the Key West Aquarium. A Window of Wonder comes alive as expert guides explain the mysteries of the water surrounding the Florida Keys.
Journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Highlights include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton.
- Conch Tour Train:
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- Key West Aquarium:
- Daily turtle feedings
- Touch Tank offers guests hands on experience
- A wide variety of fish including grouper, moray eels, barracuda, tropical fish and more
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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TOUR KEY WEST AND TWO MUSEUMS
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
Visit Florida’s only presidential museum at the Harry S. Truman Little White House built on the waterfront of the harbor of Key West.
Journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Highlights include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton.
- Conch Tour Train:
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- Harry S. Truman Little White House:
- See the home Harry S. Truman came to relax and rest
- Visit where Eisenhower recuperated from his heart attack in 1956
- Thomas Edison resided here during World War I
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
Save up
to 5%
Conch Tour Train Tickets
to 5%
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places including Mallory Square, The Harry S. Truman Little White House, Overseas Railroad Museum, the Key West Aquarium and more. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- FREE Full color map
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