Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The History of the Southernmost Point
Photographed by Richard Denney, August 10, 2015
1. The History of the Southernmost Point Marker
In 1773 George Gauld, a British surveyor & cartographer, placed the Southernmost Point at 24°29'N latitude and 82°35'W longitude. At the time Cayo Hueso, now called Key West, was part of the Spanish Empire. John Simonton purchased the island December 21, 1821 for $2,000. The following March, U.S.N. Lt. M.C. Perry declared American possession of the island "as part of the territory ceded by Spain."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1885.
Location. 24° 32.805′ N, 81° 47.765′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of South Street and Whitehead Street, on the left when traveling south on South Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The History of the Southernmost Point (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The History of the Southernmost Point (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The History of the Southernmost Point (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The History of the Southernmost Point (a few steps from
this page online
Photographed by Richard Denney, August 10, 2015
2. The History of the Southernmost Point Marker
Marker in foreground, famous Southernmost Point Buoy in background.
Photographed by Richard Denney
3. Southernmost Point Buoy
The southernmost point was originally marked with a sign, which was often stolen. In response the city of Key West erected the now famous concrete buoy in 1983 and it has become one of the most visited and photographed attractions in Key West.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2015, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,697 times since then and 118 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2015, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
