1988 Wright Pictorial Map of Key West, Florida

A scarce c. 1988 pictorial map of Key West, Florida produced by David Harrison Wright and Key Exposure. In addition to advertising local businesses, the map provides the location of and information about public institutions, historical sites, and the natural environment.

A Closer Look

This map combines historical motifs with contemporary information on businesses and attractions in Key West. Aside from the title cartouche, Spanish galleon ships (one sunken), Native American figures, and a traditional style compass rose with rhumb lines adorn the map. Further information about Civil War-era forts, the coral reef, piracy, the Florida East Coast Railway, and more is provided throughout.

Being the southernmost point in Florida (and the Continental U.S.), surrounded by beautiful ocean and bountiful fishing stocks, Key West has long attracted visitors from near and far. Notes on the map refer to the famous literary figures who have resided there, including Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway. Immigrants from Cuba have left an especially deep imprint on the city's culture (Havana is about the same distance as Miami), reflected in the restaurants, cigar factories, and other businesses in the city.

Publication History and Census

This pictorial map was drawn by David Harrison Wright and produced by Key Exposure. We have not been able to trace any information on either Wright or Key Exposure, but the latter produced a similar map of Marathon Key in 1985. This map is only listed among the holdings of the University of Florida and is scarce to the market.