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Celebrating Two Centuries in Style: Florida Keys Marks 200th Anniversary with Enormous Key Lime Pie

by Chloe Baker
10 comments
Florida Keys Bicentennial Celebration

The Florida Keys knows how to throw a party — and this rings particularly true when commemorating a significant occasion like its 200th birthday.

The Keys’ bicentennial festivities were held on Monday on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, where a colossal Key lime pie with a diameter of over 13 feet (approximately 4 meters) was presented — a feat organizers hope to validate as a world record.

These celebrations signified the 200th anniversary of the Florida Territorial Legislature’s founding of Monroe County on July 3, 1823, a nod to its historical significance. The county encompasses the entirety of the Keys and a portion of the Everglades National Park.

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Throughout the Civil War, Key West served as a Union base, facilitating a naval blockade against Confederate shipping routes. In the early 20th century, millionaire Henry Flagler of Standard Oil led the creation of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, which gained international recognition as the “eighth wonder of the world.”

Moreover, during a significant portion of his 1945-1953 term, President Harry Truman led the U.S. from his “Little White House” in Key West, which is currently the only presidential museum in Florida.

Key lime pie, a culinary symbol of the Keys since its creation in the late 19th century, plays a pivotal role in the heritage of America’s southernmost island chain. The pie was officially recognized as Florida’s state dessert by the state Legislature in 2006.

For the bicentennial celebration, local chefs prepared the iconic dessert, complete with a classic graham-cracker crust, whipped cream topping, and juice extracted from several thousand Key limes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Florida Keys Bicentennial Celebration

What event was celebrated in the Florida Keys recently?

The Florida Keys recently celebrated its 200th birthday or bicentennial.

How did the Florida Keys commemorate its bicentennial?

The Florida Keys marked its bicentennial with a party featuring a massive Key lime pie that was over 13 feet (4 meters) in diameter.

What unique feature did the celebration have?

The celebration featured a Key lime pie which organizers hope to certify as a world record due to its size.

Why is Key lime pie significant to the Florida Keys?

Key lime pie is a culinary symbol of the Keys, having originated there in the late 19th century. In 2006, it was officially recognized as Florida’s state dessert.

What historical milestones were recognized during the Florida Keys’ bicentennial celebration?

The bicentennial celebrations acknowledged the founding of Monroe County, Key West’s role in the Civil War, the construction of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, and President Harry Truman’s governance from his “Little White House” in Key West.

More about Florida Keys Bicentennial Celebration

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10 comments

BeachLover123 July 4, 2023 - 4:51 am

Whoa! That’s a lot of pie! Wish I coulda been there for a slice, love me some Key lime pie 😀

Reply
TrumanFan July 4, 2023 - 6:16 am

didn’t kno Truman governed from Key West, gotta visit that “Little White House” museum sometime…

Reply
FloridaNative July 4, 2023 - 6:33 am

Always proud to be from Florida, specially the Keys! our heritage is rich and delicious just like that pie haha

Reply
LimeySue July 4, 2023 - 7:13 am

as a key lime pie connoisseur, i’m curious about the logistics of making such a gigantic pie. Bet it tasted amazing tho!

Reply
HistoryBuff99 July 4, 2023 - 2:24 pm

pretty cool to think about how much has happened in the Keys over the last 200 years… anyone else a fan of the history bits?

Reply
FloridaNative July 6, 2023 - 1:33 pm

Always proud to be from Florida, specially the Keys! our heritage is rich and delicious just like that pie haha

Reply
HistoryBuff99 July 6, 2023 - 2:00 pm

pretty cool to think about how much has happened in the Keys over the last 200 years… anyone else a fan of the history bits?

Reply
LimeySue July 6, 2023 - 9:15 pm

as a key lime pie connoisseur, i’m curious about the logistics of making such a gigantic pie. Bet it tasted amazing tho!

Reply
TrumanFan July 7, 2023 - 6:12 am

didn’t kno Truman governed from Key West, gotta visit that “Little White House” museum sometime…

Reply
BeachLover123 July 7, 2023 - 11:11 am

Whoa! That’s a lot of pie! Wish I coulda been there for a slice, love me some Key lime pie 😀

Reply

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