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Key West's Duval Street: A Visual History of America's Most Iconic Street

Brian Bell

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Published in Key West S Duval Street (Images Of America)

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Duval Street is the heart of Key West, Florida, and has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike for centuries. The street is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars, and is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

This book presents a visual history of Duval Street, from its early days as a dirt road to its present-day status as a vibrant and eclectic thoroughfare. The book features over 200 vintage photographs and postcards, as well as contemporary images of the street.

Key West's Duval Street (Images of America)

by Laura Albritton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35518 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	131 pages

The Early Years

Duval Street was first laid out in the early 1800s, when Key West was a small fishing village. The street was named after William Pope Duval, the first governor of the Florida Territory.

In the early days, Duval Street was a dirt road lined with wooden buildings. The street was home to a variety of businesses, including shops, restaurants, and saloons.

The Tourist Boom

In the late 1800s, Key West became a popular tourist destination. The city's warm climate and beautiful scenery attracted visitors from all over the country.

The tourist boom led to a building boom on Duval Street. New hotels, restaurants, and shops were built to accommodate the influx of visitors.

The Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties was a time of great prosperity for Key West. The city's economy was booming, and Duval Street was the center of the action.

During the Roaring Twenties, Duval Street was home to a number of speakeasies and nightclubs. The street was also a popular destination for celebrities, who came to Key West to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Great Depression

The Great Depression hit Key West hard. The city's economy collapsed, and many businesses on Duval Street were forced to close.

During the Great Depression, Duval Street fell into disrepair. The buildings were dilapidated, and the street was often empty.

The Post-War Era

After World War II, Key West began to recover from the Great Depression. The city's economy slowly began to improve, and Duval Street started to see a resurgence.

In the post-war era, Duval Street became a popular destination for artists and writers. The street was also home to a number of new businesses, including art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

The Present Day

Today, Duval Street is a vibrant and eclectic thoroughfare. The street is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars. Duval Street is also home to a number of art galleries, museums, and theaters.

Duval Street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The street is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

Duval Street is a unique and iconic street. The street has a rich history, and it has played a vital role in the development of Key West. Today, Duval Street is a vibrant and eclectic thoroughfare that is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.