Miles Traveled 0
Total Miles Traveled 2184
Day 27
The Conch Republic
On April 23, 1982, the United States Border Patrol
established a military-style roadblock on U.S. 1 at Florida City. The Border Patrol stopped all northbound
highway traffic at a place motorists know as The Last Chance Saloon and searched
for illegal aliens and drugs. The
ensuing well-publicized traffic jam—traffic stretched back for 19
miles---supposedly stymied the Key’s tourism industry.
This spurred a movement in which citizens of the Keys
(called “Conchs”) elected to secede from the Upper 48. With tongue in cheek, but with a serious
gleam in their eyes, they selected a flag, designated their boundaries and
became the “Conch Republic”. They
proclaimed their independence, declared war on the United States and then
immediately surrendered, applying for foreign aid. The roadblock was discontinued after several
days, and the economy was saved. Today,
the tradition of the Conch Republic revolution continues with a yearly celebration in April
and appointment of various Conch Ambassadors.
To many Key West locals, both native and transplants alike, the event
symbolizes both the intense individualism of the islands people and the keen
sense of humor that they enjoy.
2 comments:
Rick we were in key west on a bus tour. February 18th. Just for 6 hours. Looked for you but knew it would be 1 chance in a million. Hope you are enjoying your trip. Things not so good for Wabash Repowering. Shutting down. Didnt know if you knew or not. Glad we got out. Anyway have a safe trip.
Sorry we missed you, we didn't go into town the 18th but would have if we knew you guys were going to be there. I can see why so many people come down to visit and end up staying here. I did hear about Repowering, I sure hope they can get things turned around.
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