Key West's claim to fame as the southernmost point in the continental U.S. is made concrete in this red, black and yellow marker at the corner of South and Whitehead streets (photo right).

The marker, actually built to resemble a buoy, stands at furthest south tip of Key West. The monument notes that Cuba is only 90 miles away, and just to its right, a plaque commemorates the brave Cubans who have drowned trying to get to America, "The Leader In Democracy." In the blocks around the Monument are numerous other "Southernmosts" — hotel, house, restaurant, etc.

On the top of the monument is painted the logo of The Conch Republic. Twenty years ago, Key West, seeking to enhance its reputation as a free-wheeling, fun-loving, party without consequence kind of town, seceded from the United States, declaring itself The Conch Republic. Every April, a ten-day party celebrates the event. But if that's the case, then the Southernmost Point in The US is actually one key up, in Boca Chica.