The next outpost was Fort Jefferson. Located 70 miles from Key West on Garden Key, the fort, begun in 1846, was never finished. The fort later became a prison, housing among others Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set the leg of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth on the morning after he killed the President. The fort and surrounding Dry Tortugas National Park are accessible only by boat or seaplane.

More Key West history can be explored at a handful of sites in or near Old Town including The Heritage House Museum (410 Caroline St.; 305-296-3573), the Curry Mansion (511 Curry St.; 305-294-5349) and the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens (205 Whitehead St.; 305-294-2116). Mallory Square, home to Key West's legendary sunset celebration, is also the site of the Key West Museum of Art and History at the restored Custom House (281 Front St; 305-295-6616) houses exhibits that document the cultural history of the Florida Keys. It's operated by the Key West Art and Historical Society.

A building of more recent historical significance, The Little White House (111 Front St.; 305-294-9911), on the U.S. Navy Base in Key West, was visited 11 times by President Harry Truman between 1948 and 1952. It is now furnished with memorabilia from the Truman era and also features a botanical garden, which is open for tours.

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