The sign stands at 490 Whitehead Street at the corner of Fleming Street in Old Town Key West.
Guide to Mile Marker 0 in Key West
Mile Marker 0 at 490 Whitehead Street marks the southern terminus of U.S. Route 1 in Old Town Key West. Travelers gather at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming Streets to photograph the green road signs and explore nearby historic landmarks. Taking the Conch Tour Train offers an easy way to view Whitehead Street and learn highway history without traffic or parking hassles.
Tour Key West and Mile Marker 0 With Conch Tour Train
- 60-Minute Narrated Loop: Ride through Old Town to view historic homes, lush gardens, and landmarks around Whitehead Street.
- Front Street Depot Departures: Board Conch Tour Train directly at the downtown depot, located steps from major waterfront attractions.
- Informative Island Narration: Listen to engineers share stories of Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, highway lore, and local history.
- Stress-Free Sightseeing: Avoid driving down narrow streets, finding scarce parking spots, or walking long distances under the sun.
- Established Island Tour: Experience the open-air sightseeing tour operating continuously in Key West since 1958.
Key Features of Mile Marker 0 and Whitehead Street
- Dual Highway Signs: Photograph the “END U.S. 1” sign facing south and the “BEGIN U.S. 1” sign facing north at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming Streets.
- Monroe County Courthouse: Walk adjacent to the marker to view the 1890 Victorian red-brick building at 500 Whitehead Street.
- The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum: Visit the 1851 Spanish Colonial estate at 907 Whitehead Street to see the author’s 1930s residence, writing studio, and resident polydactyl cats.
- Harry S. Truman Little White House: Tour Florida’s only presidential museum at 111 Front Street, featuring preserved 1940s rooms and presidential memorabilia.
- Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House: Inspect maritime artifacts and regional history exhibits inside the 1891 Romanesque Revival building at 281 Front Street.
Mile Marker 0 in Key West
The Story Behind the Iconic Road Sign
Standing on Whitehead Street in Key West, the green Mile Marker 0 road sign signals both a beginning and an ending. Travelers journey from across the world to stand beside this modest post, capture a memory, and celebrate reaching the southernmost edge of the continental United States. Beyond its status as a social media favorite, this legendary highway marker serves as a gateway to dozens of Key West attractions tucked throughout Old Town. Let us explore the story behind the sign, its surprising highway lore, practical visitor advice, and the marvelous sights waiting just steps away along Whitehead Street.
History of U.S. Route 1:
From East Coast Highway to Island Icon
To understand why a simple green sign holds such magic, one must appreciate the grand highway it anchors.
The Birth of an American Highway
The story begins in 1926, when the United States Highway System was established to organize vehicular travel across growing state lines. Designated as the premier north-south artery along the Atlantic Seaboard, U.S. Route 1 was mapped out to connect major metropolitan centers, historic capitals, and coastal towns from Northern Maine all the way down to South Florida. It quickly became the ultimate road trip route for generations of motorists seeking adventure.
The Transformation of the Keys Connection
Connecting island communities across open water required monumental engineering. In 1912, industrialist Henry Flagler completed his legendary Over-Sea Railroad extension, allowing passengers to travel by train across miles of ocean bridges directly into Key West. Following the destructive Labor Day hurricane of 1935, which damaged parts of the rail line, state engineers transformed the existing concrete bridges and elevated causeways into a modern highway for automobiles. Opening in 1938, the Overseas Highway completed the final leg of U.S. Route 1, turning island travel into an accessible journey for everyday drivers.
Becoming a Symbol of Road Trip Freedom
As vacationers drove across the wooden bridges and coral keys to reach Old Town, reaching the final marker became a triumphant milestone. What started as an ordinary piece of Department of Transportation signage evolved into a celebrated symbol of freedom, relaxed island living, and the whimsical charm of the Conch Republic.
Stolen Signs and Highway Lore
Uncover the Roadside Legends
The geographic story of Mile Marker 0 in Key West is full of delightful quirks that add to its legendary status among classic Key West attractions.
The Case of the Vanishing Sign
For decades, city workers faced an unusual dilemma: The green Mile 0 sign was the most-stolen street sign in Key West. Souvenir hunters repeatedly removed the marker from its post to take home a piece of highway history. To solve this recurring problem, local officials installed a heavy-duty reinforced steel pole anchored deep in solid concrete, securely welding the metal sign to prevent theft.
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Conch Tour Train Tickets
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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 coupons filled with valuable discounts to use all over the island
- FREE Full color map
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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 coupons filled with valuable discounts to use all over the island
- 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
Save up
to 9%
to 9%
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 coupons filled with valuable discounts to use all over the island
- 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
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A Journey of 2,369 Miles
The distance spanned by U.S. Route 1 highlights an impressive contrast in American geography.
- Key West, Florida (Mile 0)
Located at 24 degrees North latitude, surrounded by turquoise waters, coconut palms, and tropical heat - Fort Kent, Maine (Mile 2,369)
Positioned along the Canadian border in Aroostook County, surrounded by pine forests, rolling farmland, and cold northern winters
Two Signs, One Intersection
At Whitehead and Fleming Streets, you’ll see two distinct signs on opposite sides of the road.
- “END U.S. 1”
Mounted on the west side of Whitehead Street, facing south for drivers finishing their long road trip down the East Coast - “BEGIN U.S. 1”
Mounted on the east side of Whitehead Street, facing north for travelers initiating their journey north toward Maine.
Know Before You Go: Essential Visitor Tips
Visiting Mile Marker 0 in Key West is a fun experience, provided you keep a few quick tips in mind.
Navigation and Crowds
The landmark stands at 490 Whitehead Street, right at the corner of Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town Key West. Because this intersection hosts continuous foot traffic, tour groups, bicycles, and passing vehicles, short lines often form along the sidewalk as guests wait to snap photos.
Timing Your Visit is Key
Early morning visits offer beautiful natural light, cooler temperatures, and minimal wait times. Arriving before 9 a.m. provides a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to explore the area, enjoy the surroundings, and take photos at your leisure before midday crowds begin to gather. The softer morning light is ideal for capturing scenic views and memorable moments without people filling the background.
Safety and Etiquette
Safety is essential when snapping your souvenir photos. Whitehead Street is an active roadway used by cars, scooters, and delivery trucks. Always remain safely on the sidewalk while posing, avoid stepping back into traffic lanes, and respect fellow travelers waiting in line. Afterward, pop into the official Mile 0 souvenir store across the street to browse commemorative hats, shirts, and replicas.
Nearby Points of Interest
After snapping your picture at Mile Marker 0 in Key West, you are ideally positioned to explore an array of famous Key West attractions located along Whitehead Street and surrounding Old Town blocks.
Monroe County Courthouse
Located adjacent to the landmark sign at 500 Whitehead Street, this striking red-brick structure was completed in 1890. Designed in Victorian style, it features soaring arched windows, ornate brickwork, and a lush canopy of shade trees. It stands as a functional centerpiece of local civic heritage.
Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House
Situated a short walk north at 281 Front Street, this grand Romanesque Revival building opened in 1891 to serve as the island’s customs office, postal center, and district court. Today, operated by The Key West Art & Historical Society, its galleries showcase local artwork, maritime artifacts, and historical exhibits reflecting the vibrant story of the Florida Keys.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Located a few blocks south at 907 Whitehead Street, this grand Spanish Colonial estate served as the home of author Ernest Hemingway during the 1930s. Visitors can stroll through expansive tropical gardens, view his second-story writing studio, and meet dozens of resident polydactyl (six-toed) cats roaming the grounds.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Positioned just a short walk west in the historic Truman Annex at 111 Front Street, Florida’s only presidential museum served as the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman between 1946 and 1952. Guided tours take guests through fully restored rooms preserved with original 1940s furnishings, decor, and presidential memorabilia.
Mallory Square
Located at the northern foot of Whitehead and Wall Streets, Mallory Square serves as Key West’s central gathering point for oceanfront sunset views. Every evening, street performers, artisans, musicians, and travelers gather along the water to celebrate the sun dropping below the Gulf horizon.
The Best Way To Tour Old Town Key West
Snapping a photo beside Mile Marker 0 in Key West is an essential rite of passage for anyone visiting our island paradise. Navigating narrow historic streets, searching for limited parking, and walking long distances under the tropical sun can present challenges during busy vacation days.
That is where the world-famous Conch Tour Train comes in. This attraction offers a smooth, delightful way to discover the best of Key West attractions. Our 60-minute tour begins at the Front Street Depot, taking you on an entertaining loop around Old Town. Along the way, your knowledgeable engineer shares fascinating stories, historic trivia, and humorous tales about the colorful personalities who built our community. You will enjoy excellent views of historic homes, lush gardens, classic architecture, and famous landmarks near Whitehead Street without worrying about traffic or parking.
FAQs
No, the marker stands on a public sidewalk and is completely free to visit 24 hours a day.
U.S. Route 1 begins at Mile Marker 0 in Key West, Florida, extending 2,369 miles north along the East Coast to its northern terminus in Fort Kent, Maine.
Yes, the Conch Tour Train route travels through historic Old Town, passing major landmarks along Whitehead Street, Mallory Square, and historic neighborhood blocks.
Nearby Key West attractions include the Monroe County Courthouse, the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and Mallory Square.
The iconic Mile 0 sign on Whitehead Street sits roughly four blocks south of Mallory Square. You can enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk between these two famous spots, passing historic buildings like the Monroe County Courthouse along the way. Alternatively, you can sit back and relax on the Conch Tour Train, which routes through these historic Old Town streets while your guide highlights local landmarks.
The term ‘Conch’ originally described Bahamian settlers who moved to the Florida Keys in the 19th century. Today, island residents born in Key West proudly call themselves “Conchs,” while longtime residents born elsewhere are affectionately known as “Freshwater Conchs.” The name honors the queen conch, a sea snail native to our surrounding waters that serves as a cherished cultural symbol of the Conch Republic.
Since launching in 1958, our world-famous tour has provided guests with an entertaining 60-minute loop through historic Old Town. Our expert engineers guide you past premier Key West attractions, including the Harry S. Truman Little White House, the Key West Aquarium, and historic Whitehead Street homes. You gain a wonderful overview of island history and local architecture without the stress of navigating traffic or hunting for parking.