Florida Keys and Key West [Title on Verso]

Enjoy the Florida Keys via the Overseas Highway!

One could imagine the myriad of infrastructure challenges required to connect the numerous islands in the Florida Keys. The Overseas Railroad made the first attempt in the early 20th century, connecting Key West to the major line of the Florida East Coast Railway. Damage from numerous hurricanes and high maintenance costs eventually led to bankruptcy, and much of the route was sold to the State of Florida, who used the land to build the Overseas Highway.

This charming promotional map shows the path of Route 1 through the Florida Keys and lists 42 individual bridges under the title, ranging from the immense Seven Mile Bridge to the short Harris Gap. In addition to awesome engineering feats, the region also offers a variety of recreational activities and fishing opportunities, represented with illustrated vignettes. Shipwrecks are individually noted with small triangles – lighthouses and safe harbor facilities are also difficult to maintain in this area frequented by hurricanes.

The map was designed and prepared in Miami by E.J. Schaffer & Assoc. Advertising. Issued around 1965 by the Monroe County Advertising Commission.