 |
| Southernmost Point Landmark in Key West |
Cape
May, NJ and Key West, FL, both at Mile Marker 0 (Cape May at Exit 0 off the NJ State
Parkway and Key West at Exit 0 off U.S. Route 1) are towns truly unique in
their own right and worthy of exploration.
While getting to each of these towns involves a certain determination,
after all, they are technically both at the end of the line; people still come year
after year. There is a real love here,
something that can’t be explained by words, it is something that you have to experience
and then “you get it”!
*
If
you are from the New Jersey/Philadelphia area, then you most likely have heard
of or have been to Cape May, NJ - the great little seaside town at the southernmost
tip of Cape May Peninsula where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Cape May is a town known for its beautiful
beaches, charming shops, great restaurants and bars and the Victorian homes and
bed and breakfasts that dot the landscape.
The entire city of Cape May is designated a National Historic Landmark,
due to the high concentration of Victorian buildings, dating back to the
1800’s.
*
While
I am sure there are people who haven’t heard of Cape May, NJ, I think you’d be
hard pressed to find one who has not heard of Key West, Florida. Key West, located at the southernmost point
in the continental US, signifies good times, can anyone say Fantasy Fest? The area in Key West known as Old Town is
also a National Historic District with houses and buildings dating back to the
1800’s. Many of the homes were brought
over from the Bahamas, which is where the term Conch Style house comes from.
*
 |
| The Mason Cottage in Cape May, NJ |
Businesses
and homes located within these nationally historically registered areas in Cape
May and Key West are required to maintain the original integrity of the
property set up by historical preservation groups, such as the Greater Cape May
Historical Society and the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Personally, I am very thankful that these
groups exist, if not for them, you can be sure the old saying “out with the
old, in with the new” would lead to towns full of modern day high rises, thus
completely destroying the integrity of these historic gems.
*
 |
| An Old Postcard of the Ocean House Hotel in Cape May |
From
devastating fires to new beginnings, these towns have risen from complete destruction
to become great destinations, seamlessly blending their past and present. How many
times in history have we heard of a town succumbing to a Great Fire? Well, both Cape May and Key West are no
exceptions and both are said to have been started by foul play. On November 9th, 1878 in the early
hours of the morning, a fire was observed by a workman at the Ocean Hotel. It did not take long before thirty-five acres
were in devastation and ruins - seven major hotels and thirty cottages and
bathhouses were lost. It was speculated that
arson was the cause of the fire - what better way to rid yourself of a hotel in
need of expensive repairs. Samuel Ludlam,
owner of the hotel, was seen leaving on an early morning train for Philadelphia
on the same day of the fire. Ludlam was
brought before court, but was never prosecuted due to lack of evidence.
*
 |
| Old Cigar Box Label |
Eight
years later, on April 1, 1886, the Great Fire of Key West ripped through the
city. The fire ignited in a coffee shop
next to the San Carlos Institute, a
club erected by the cigar manufacturers and the focal point of the Cuban
society in Key West. The fire was said
to have been started by the Spanish Empire as a means to financially cripple
the Cuban people. At the time, the cigar industry was the economic
driving force in the town and the Cubans were dependent on Key West for this financial
support. For Spain, the slap in the face
was the fact they sold Key West much of the tobacco that was inevitably the financial
means for the Cuban revolutionaries to continue the fight with the
Spanish. It was a vicious cycle, to
which the Spanish were suspected of setting the fire to destroy the Key West cigar
industry, thereby destroying the financial support to the Cubans. In the end, 18 cigar factories, 614 houses
and government buildings were destroyed in the blaze.
*
Today,
tourism is the dominant industry in both of these coastal towns. The economy is dependent upon the thousands
of tourists who come visit the many shops, restaurants/bars, lodgings and
tourist attractions each year. Commercial
and sport fishing are also important in both economies, while eco-tourism, such
as marine mammal watching and bird watching have become equally important.
*
Both
towns host an array of events throughout the year for its visitors. For instance, the annual Singer/Songwriter Competition
celebrates up and coming talent and gives visitors a chance to unwind and
listen to artists performances at local venues (occurs in March in Cape May and
April/May in Key West). There is also the annual Taste of Key West (in
April) and the Cape May Food and Wine Festival (in September); both showcase
the flavors of the area with events held at local food and wine venues through
the towns.
*
 |
| Fantasy Fest in Key West |
Visitors
will also enjoy the many annual themed festivals that have become part of these
towns culture. While Key West hosts the
annual Fantasy Fest and Conch Republic Days, Cape May has their Victorian Week,
Spring Festival and Christmas Candlelight House Tours. Please know that I am in NO way comparing
these events (as there is no comparison), I am only showcasing these towns as a
destination – a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the culture and
participate in events that are unique to these towns alone.
*
#####
Author:
Kimberly Kaufell Gilbert
