In Key West, burial customs reflect combinations of African, Hispanic, Anglo and other mixed heritages. Due to the water table of the Keys, most burials are in above ground tombs. Grave markers with unusual inscriptions such as I told you I was sick, Devoted Fan of Julio Iglesias and At Least I know where he's sleeping tonight are not unusual. Cemetery maps are available at the front gate.
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Hemingway lived and wrote here for a decade. He also raised cats, the descendants of which still roam the grounds and have extra toes.
With a panoramic view of the island.
A "buoy" (actually an old sewer junction painted to look like a buoy) placed at this point contains an inaccurate message that it is the southernmost point in the continental USA. The true southernmost point of Florida is on Ballast Key, an island about 9 miles (14 km) from Key West, which is open to boaters during daylight hours only for minimally invasive activities such as birdwatching and nature photography. The marker is also not the southernmost point on Key West island—a private yard is immediately southeast of the buoy, and the island's true southernmost point is in the Truman Annex west of the buoy, which is U.S. Navy property and can be entered only by authorized Navy personnel. Even before Ballast Key was opened to public access, the buoy wasn't even the southernmost point that could be accessed by the public—that would be the beach area of Fort Zachary Taylor (see above). Nonetheless, it's one of the city's most visited and photographed spots. Expect large crowds on the weekends, and waiting for your turn to take a picture is the norm.
Offers a panoramic view of the island from its observation tower.
A historic retreat used by President Harry S. Truman. Guided tours are available, as well as a gift shop. It's still used as a retreat and place of business by US government officials today.