Red, White & Blue Over Key West

These aren't the only colors that have flown over Key West. In 1982, Key West "seceded" from the U.S. in protest to a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock which destroyed tourism. The island inhabitants declared themselves the Conch (konk) Republic and surrendered the next day. The protest worked, the roadblock was re-opened, but you can still buy flags and passports as souvenirs.