Most Floridians have a special place in their hearts for Key West. You have to admit it’s pretty cool that our state has its own tropical islands. These photos of Key West taken by Arthur Rothstein in 1938 show just how much our little piece of paradise has changed (and stayed the same) over the last 80 years. The original captions were mostly one-word descriptions, so they’ve only been included where helpful.

Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Duval Street extends from the Gulf to the Atlantic.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Duval Street
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Barber shop.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Sponge warehouse.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Inspecting sponges.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Exhibits in curio shop. Sunfish on left.

Related Stories

14 Ways Living In Florida Ruins You For Life

14 Ways Living In Florida Ruins You For Life

 These 19 Photos of Florida In The 60s Are Mesmerizing

These 19 Photos of Florida In The 60s Are Mesmerizing

 What Happened At This Florida Boys School Is A Real Life Horror Story

What Happened At This Florida Boys School Is A Real Life Horror Story
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Pepe's coffee shop, where the town's business is transacted.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Pouring coffee in Pepe's cafe.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Pepe's coffee shop.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Ruins of an abandoned cigar factory.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Cigar maker's home.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Cigar workers, stranded when factories moved north, turn to manufacturing in their homes.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Aquarium.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
East Martello Tower. Old Spanish fort.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Southern-most home in the United States.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Bait seller.
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress
Arthur Rothstein/Library of Congress

What do you think of these photos? What are your favorite things about Key West? Please share your comments with us below.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Florida