One of the most photographed DOT roadsigns in America is the Mile 0 which is on the front lawn of the Monroe County Court at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West. I have seen lines of tourists waiting to take their photo with that sign. The sign marks the end of US 1 which starts in Fort Kent Maine and runs 2,345 miles ending in Key West. Some call the front yard of the Courthouse where the Mile 0 is “The End of the Rainbow”. There is a sign for that also in the front lawn of the Courthouse. For a long time it has been a goal of mine to drive the entire length of US 1 taking my picture at all the milestone mile markers 100, 200, 300, 400 and so on. I think that will have to wait until I am retired. Planning the trip for summertime in a convertible would be fun.
Henry Flagler began his famous railroad, the “Flagler Railroad” in St Augustine in July of 1896 and it was completed on January 22, 1912 ending in Key West. The railroad ran the length of the Florida Keys. US 1 now runs parallel with where the train tracks were. You can still see the railroad bridges from several of the US 1 bridges as you drive up and down the Keys. The most well-known spot to view the railroad bridge is from the Baiha Honda bridge which runs from Bahia Honda State Park to West Summerland Key which is one island above Big Pine Key. A funny little fact about West Summerland key is it is located about 20 miles east of Summerland Key.
If you get a chance to come vacation in Key West be sure to stop and have your picture taken at the Mile 0 sign and post it here in the comments section.
Gary McAdams, PA
Realtor, Notary Public
Barbara A. Anderson Realty
Serving Key West and the Florida Keys
