The Highway That Goes To Sea
Driving from mainland Florida down the Overseas Highway, it's easy to understand why the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 is often referred to as the "Highway that Goes to Sea."
A modern wonder, the 113 miles of roadway from Key Largo to Key West incorporates an astonishing 42 bridges leapfrogging from key to key in a series of giant arches of concrete and steel over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
And what do visitors see? Countless coral and limestone islets in the sprawling Keys chain look tiny and fragile against the sea and sky. Yet despite their small size, these islands support lively, picturesque communities.
In 2009, the Keys highway was designated as Florida's first and only All-American Road by the US Federal Highway Administration, among only 30 other roadways in the nation that have earned the prestigious title.
History of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway
This Florida Keys Overseas Highway "bucket list" journey so popular with visitors to the islands follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when millionaire Henry Flagler built what became known as the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad from Miami to Key West.
Flagler envisioned a train route connecting all the Florida Keys and mainland Florida. Flagler inspired an army of men to spend seven years constructing the railroad's bridges and land-based tracks, and in 1912 the first train pulled into Key West.
After only two-plus decades of carrying freight and wealthy vacationers, much of the railroad was badly damaged in a 1935 hurricane. The railroad ceased operations on the Miami-Key West link, following extensive damage to the roadbed by severe winds and erosion and the economic decline caused by the Depression era. Three years later the Overseas Highway debuted, built on a foundation that incorporated some of the original railway spans.
Construction of the Overseas Highway was an incredible engineering feat. In 1982, 37 original bridges were replaced with wider, heavier spans, including the well-known Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.
"Cruising" down the highway on your All-American Adventure, with passing miles marked by small green signs on the road's shoulder or median, the tang of salt air wafts in through the open car windows.
The highway winds past Upper Keys marinas housing sportfishing fleets and sailing yachts, oceanfront villas surrounded by palms and flowering plants, enticing seafood restaurants and resorts both upscale and funky. Veteran Keys travelers know a hurried approach is not the way to experience this laid-back destination. Take it easy. Experience the true flavor of each region of the Florida Keys.
Take pleasure in the ever-changing land- and seascapes to be viewed from the "Highway That Goes to Sea."
