1987 Weaver Pictorial Map of Key West, Florida

This is a 1987 Ron Weaver pictorial map of Key West, Florida. The map celebrates Key West life shortly after the declaration of the Conch Republic.

A Closer Look

The view looks east from a fictional high point west of the island. Pictorial vignettes highlight Weaver's 'paradise,' with the man himself at center sketching a model. Other vignettes highlight historic locations or events, such as the completion of the Overseas Railroad, the East Martello Museum, Fort Zachary Taylor, and the marker at the Southernmost Point in the United States. Boats, including the U.S.S. Key West, a U.S. Navy submarine, fill the surrounding waters. Famous Key West pastimes are illustrated, including deep sea fishing, building sandcastles, golfing, and people-watching. One such, distracted from driving his scooter by an attractive woman, is on a collision course with a trashcan. Nearby, the island's famous gay-friendly ethos is highlighted by a well-muscled couple. Wildlife fills view, including a pelican lamenting the hardships of bird parenting.

The Conch Republic

The Conch Republic was a sarcastic break-away state created by the 1982 secession of Key West from the United States. The secession resulted from an argument between Key West and the U.S. Border Control, who set up a roadblock and inspection point on U.S. 1 just south of Florida City. After years of tracking drugs and illegal immigrants coming through the Keys, the Border Patrol started searching every car on the Overseas Highway. The result, a 17-mile-long traffic jam, led to massive cancellation of vacation plans, restaurant, and hotel bookings.

As tourism drove the Key West economy, the city council issued numerous protests and a Federal Court injunction - all of which were ignored. Finally, Key West initiated a protest 'secession'. The mayor, Dennis Wardlow, proclaimed Key West's independence from the U.S. and was declared Prime Minister of the Conch Republic (citizens of Key West are known as Conches). He immediately declared war on the United States by breaking a loaf of stale bread over the head of a U.S. navyman, after which he immediately surrendered. (It's unclear if the sailor was a member of the U.S. Navy or someone dressed in a naval uniform.) Within days, the roadblock disappeared, and tourism returned. Key West still celebrates its Independence Day every April 23. Visitors can even purchase Conch Republic passports!

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn and published by Ron Weaver in 1987. This is the only known cataloged example. Weaver also published a pictorial map of Marathon Key.