When Key West 'Seceded' From Florida And Became Its Own Country

The Conch Republic, though it only "existed" for a few minutes (and here the word "existed" is being used extremely liberally), remains a source of pride for the Key West locals. These days, the short-lived "republic" is largely wrapped up in the generalized quirkiness that is Key West. "Today we stand proudly as a community of who have 'Sovereign State Of Mind' and as the 'People who seceded where others have failed," (seceded instead of succeeded, get it?), notes the Conch Republic website. And of course, where there's lore, there's merchandise. Flags, T-shirts, coffee mugs, and all manner of Conch Republic bric-a-brac are sold around town and online. You can also purchase Conch Republic passports, although prudence compels us to warn you that trying to get through an international border with what is effectively a keepsake is ill-advised at best.

"The Conch Republic exists as a sovereign state of mind, which signifies our vision of the America which we are proud to be part of," notes its website.

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