Southernmost point buoy
Concrete marker near the "Southernmost point in the continental United States" located in Key West, Florida
Located in Key West, Florida, the Southernmost Point Buoy is a vibrant concrete buoy marking the southernmost point in the continental United States. Situated at the intersection of South Street and Whitehead Street, it stands 18 feet above sea level. This landmark was established in 1983 as a tourist attraction and has since become a symbol of Key West's unique position at the nation's edge.
Initially, the site was marked with a modest sign, which was replaced by the current buoy in 1983. The buoy, measuring 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide, has endured several hurricanes, including significant damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017, after which it was refurbished by the original artist, Danny Acosta.
Inscribed on the buoy are the words "The Conch Republic. 90 Miles to Cuba, Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A., Key West, F.L., Home of the Sunset". These inscriptions were added in 2011, marking a change from the original 1986 paint job. The buoy is maintained by the Key West Public Works Department.
Adjacent to the marker is a historic cement telegraph hut, which once housed an underwater telephone cable connecting Key West to Havana in 1921. This small hut, slightly east of the Southernmost marker, marks where the cable entered the sea, adding historical significance to the site.
It's important to note that while the buoy claims to mark the southernmost point of the continental U.S., the actual southernmost point is on Ballast Key, located about 10 miles south and west of Key West. However, Ballast Key is not easily accessible to tourists, making the buoy a more practical and visible landmark.
