One of the oldest ports in Florida, the city is located in Levy County. The Key is a cluster of islands near the west coast of the state. The island is so named this because of Eastern Red Cedar trees that are plentiful in and around the area.
Today, Cedar Key serves more as a tourist center rather than the strategic depot and the western terminus of the Florida Railroad it did years ago. The first maps of the Key date back to 1542, though signs of human occupation date back to 500 BC. In 1839, the first permanent occupation began when Fort No.4 was established on Depot Key by General Zachary Taylor of the United States Army. The fort served as a depot during the Second Seminole War, later becoming the headquarters of the Army of the South. Unfortunately, a hurricane struck the Keys in 1842, casuing much damage and for the fort to been abadoned by the Army.
The Key also became known for its pencils, having supplied many companies with its abundant cedar tress for the factories. In fact, Eberhard Faber mill was built on Atsena Otie Key in 1865, with an Eagle Pencil Company mill just a liitle ways away on Way Key.
And of course, there are absolutely tons of things to do on the islands! Restuarants and wildlife trails amd refuges litter the islands, opening up many oppurtunites for both the locals and visitors. One such eatery, Tony's Seafood Restaurant, is known for its world champion clam chowder! Other Cedar Key destinations include:
When looking for a place to stay during your visit to the Key, be sure to check out one of Florida's most famous bed and breakfast inns, Island Hotel & Restaurant.
With all this and more, I'm sure you're ready to book your trip today!