why is keywest called keywest?
Look up Keys...see what that means.
Then, look up West.
Get it? Keywest. the west most Key.
Key is the English translation of the Spanish cay.
From the FreeDictionary:
"cay
Noun
a small low island or bank of sand and coral fragments [Spanish cayo] "
Also see this site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_West,_Florida
The name "Key West" is derived from its location in the Florida Keys archipelago. To understand why it is called Key West, we first need to know the meaning of the term "key." The term "key" comes from the Spanish word "cayo," which was used by early explorers for small, low-lying islands found in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Key West is the westernmost and southernmost island among the Florida Keys. It is the last major island in the chain before reaching the Straits of Florida. The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans, and later explored by European settlers. It was named "Cayo Hueso" by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century, which translates to "Bone Key" in English. This name is believed to have been inspired by the large amounts of animal bones found on the island.
Over time, the name evolved into "Key West" in the English-speaking community. The name stuck, and today, Key West is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and unique island atmosphere.