Key West was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Calusa and Tequesta tribes, long before European exploration and colonization. The recorded history of Key West as a European settlement begins with the arrival of Spanish explorers.

**Juan Ponce de León:** The Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is credited with the discovery of the Florida Keys, including Key West, during his expedition in 1513. However, it's essential to note that "discovery" in this context means the first documented contact by Europeans. The indigenous peoples had already been living in the area for centuries.

Ponce de León's discovery did not lead to immediate European settlement in Key West. Over the centuries, the Keys remained sparsely populated and were often visited by pirates and wreckers who took advantage of the treacherous coral reefs.

The modern history of Key West as a settled community began much later.

**John W. Simonton:** The establishment of Key West as a city is often attributed to a businessman named John W. Simonton. In 1822, he purchased the island from a Spanish agent, Juan Pablo Salas, for the sum of $2,000. Simonton, along with several partners, including John Whitehead, John Fleming, and Joshua Appleby, played a key role in the development of Key West.

**Florida's Annexation to the United States:** In 1821, Florida was transferred from Spanish to U.S. control through the Adams-Onís Treaty. Key West's strategic location and deep-water harbor made it an important outpost for American expansion in the region.

**Early Development:** Key West grew rapidly in the 19th century, driven by maritime and wrecking industries, sponging, and cigar manufacturing. Its economic success and strategic location led to its incorporation as a city in 1828.

While John W. Simonton is often credited with purchasing Key West and contributing to its development, it's important to recognize the complex history involving indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, and subsequent settlers that shaped the island over centuries. The founding of Key West, as a European-American settlement, is part of this broader historical context.