Key West: History of an Island of Dreams

Having lived on Key West for 2.5 years now, I decided it was finally time to go on a deep dive into the history of this island. It has been prosperous for so long that I had no idea it’s spent most of his history stuck in a series of booms and busts. The author spent a lot of time digging through old archives and it shows in her work. I highly recommend this book if you want to know about Old Key West.

I'm preparing for a trip to Key West in 2021. I love to read about places I'm going to visit. Most history books are "dry". The author provided the history in a story telling fashion which made the history come alive. Because of this, it makes the stories memorable which will enhance my trip. Excellent!

Maureen Ogle's history of Key West is the best single source for understanding this bizarre and remarkable place. Key West is the product of piracy, salvaging, the Civil War, fishing, sponging, turtling, cigar making, shrimping, military involvement, and tourism -- all this the result of Key West's unique position on a coral reef, adjacent to the Gulf Stream, 90 miles from Cuba, 120 miles off the US coast.Ogle weaves together all the disparate influences of dreamers and planners, run-aways and con men, sailors and politicians who still shape history here on a daily basis. The best way to enjoy Key West is through frequent visits and a reading, and re-reading, of this most helpful book.Marsh Muirhead, author of Key West Explained - a guide for the traveler

A great book. I spent several years in the Navy living on Boca Chica, the Naval Air Station just up the Keys from Key West, and so spent a lot of time in and around the Southernmost City. The history of the island has always fascinated me and I found Ogle's recounting of it to be the best I have ever read. Key West's history is presented in a lively and interesting manner so that you feel more like you're reading an autobiography of the island than dry dates and names. I highly recommend this for anybody that has visited or lived on the island or is considering a trip there. Finish this book and you'll know more than the guy driving the Conch Train. Enjoy.

After my first visit to Key West I was looking for a book which would provide me a history of this unique town. This book is an easy read. In my opinion it seems to be written through story telling. I really enjoyed learning the origins of the street names and the very early history of how it was founded.

Knowing KW as do I this is an entertaining read and explains a lot about KW today and its Duval Street culture (Same for 160 years with upgrades.) A free-wheeling city, loaded with mixed cultures, invaded by rich northerners whose money chased out poor locals, Tennessee Williams salivated about sailors and soldiers when his partner took off for awhile in WWII. Jimmy Buffet really did not stay that long.Nothing about churches or religion or normal llife, but Well worth the price!!

I recently stayed in Key West for a month, and wanted to learn a bit about the history before going. This book is well written, easy to follow, and has just enough humor and stories to help the historical information “stick”.

Incredibly informative history on Key West. Thoroughly enjoyed all the details and focus during the Civil War in depression era. Would highly recommend it to anyone visiting or who has visited key west before.

I just wanted to say a big thank you to the author for writing this book. I have recently visited Key West and its helped put everything into place and perspective. This book is brilliant!!!!! The research is second to none and the writing style is easy to engage with. Please write more historical books!!!

Good history lesson, but other books discuss more. A good start.

Great read