History of Key West: America's Southernmost City
In the late 1800's, Key West was known for its crystal blue waters teeming with marine life, its bustling seaport and rich, diverse culture. For centuries before and centuries to follow, people from all walks of life would be drawn to the undeniably pristine paradise. Whether seeking to salvage priceless treasures that lay beneath the sea or looking to sell their goods in the town square, they came from England, from Spain, from Cuba and the Bahamas and found themselves immediately captivated by the majesty of Cayo Hueso…Key West.
Elegantly poised on Duval Street's southernmost tip, the stately Southernmost House Key West Historic Inn is as grand as it was when the last bricks were laid more than a century ago.
The Southernmost House was constructed in 1896 as a family home for Dr. Jeptha Vinning Harris and his wife Florida Curry Harris. Dr Harris, who was a surgeon in the navy during the Civil War, became a prominent leader in Key West shortly after his arrival on the island. The Harris's took great pride in their magnificent oceanfront home, building it with the utmost attention to detail and with the finest materials that would withstand treacherous hurricanes and lightening storms. The couple enjoyed hosting guests, yet they valued their privacy more. So although expansive, the original structure was built with just one bedroom and an adjacent guesthouse to accommodate visitors and family.
The Essence of Cuba
The Southernmost House gained real popularity in the early 1940's, when the Ramos family from Spain purchased the home and transformed it into a Cuban Café deemed Café Cayo Hueso. Locals and tourists frequented the café for cool drinks, Cuban cigars and authentic cuisine—and according to some old time Conchs, if you were interested, informal gambling on the second floor.
After several successful years as the Café Cayo Hueso, the Southernmost House once again became a family home in 1954. The Ramos family undertook a complete refurbishing of the mansion, replacing the liquor-stained wood floors with stunning Cuban tile, refreshing every room to create the ideal environment to raise their family and entertain their close personal friends. Upon moving back in, Mrs. Ramos insisted that her husband relocate his infamous Friday night dominoes parties to the recreation building—she wasn't too keen on smoked filled rooms, the aroma of Cuban cigars and the mess that resulted from spilled Cuban rum.
They couldn't resist its inexplicable charm.
It wasn't too soon after that many visitors came to call. The glorious Southernmost House had it's own amazing appeal, beckoning Presidents, royalty, celebrities and many more. Over the next 40 years, the Ramos family would play host to all of them, including United States Presidents Harry S Truman, Richard Nixon, John Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter.
Truman, who had a reputation for wandering around the island in the evenings, would often stop in to relax in the parlor, enjoy a cocktail or two and the friendly company of Mr. and Mrs. Ramos.
Ernest Hemingway, a Key West fixture and an avid horseback rider, frequented the Southernmost House so often that he kept his saddle there. Others came and went and came again… as often as they could, including King Juan Carlos of Spain. For this then young prince, who loved Key West's perfect climate and enticing nightlife, it was not always an easy task. His security personnel and family were leery of his safety while traveling along the narrow US Highway 1 and discouraged him from coming to the island. The Ramos's solved the situation by building a helicopter pad on the south side of the property, enabling their cousin to take a direct route from Miami to Key West. The helicopter pad is still on the grounds today and many guests enjoy soaking in the sun there on their lounge chairs.
Cliff Robertson, Robert Wagner and Key West's own Tennessee Williams are among others who stayed at the house during the early years.
A new dawn for an old favorite.
In 1996, the Southernmost House underwent a $3 million renovation, marvelously restoring this Victorian into the remarkable landmark it is today. Soft shades of tropical colors adorn the building's original bricks, reminiscent of its days as a Cuban Café. While authentic crown moldings, ceiling medallions, ornamental woodwork and friezes remind guests of the Inn's opulent beginnings. Guestrooms and suites resonate their own unique character and offer sophisticated furnishings, modern luxuries and a living history of those that stayed there in the past. An original Tiffany stained glass canopy hangs in the side veranda, a stunning addition to the home's luxuriant ambiance.
Today's your day.
Come visit and stay for a while. Experience the oceanfront inn that has seduced guests for more than one hundred years…the Southernmost House Historic Inn on the Ocean leaves an indelible impression that you'll always treasure.
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We offer beautiful guest rooms and suites in The Southernmost House main house, poolside cabanas and The Lopez House.
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