"Mile Zero" refers to the Southernmost Point in Key West, Florida, which is considered the starting point of U.S. Highway 1. Here's a more detailed overview:
1. **Southernmost Point Marker:**
- The Southernmost Point is marked by a large, colorful buoy located at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets in Key West. The buoy is an iconic landmark that designates the southernmost point of the continental United States.
2. **Geographic Significance:**
- Key West holds the distinction of being the southernmost city in the contiguous United States. The term "Mile Zero" is often associated with the starting point of U.S. Highway 1, which stretches from Key West to Fort Kent, Maine.
3. **Tourist Attraction:**
- The Southernmost Point buoy has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who want to stand at the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. Many tourists take photos with the buoy as a symbolic gesture.
4. **Historical Marker:**
- In addition to the buoy, there is a concrete marker nearby that provides information about the Southernmost Point's significance. The marker often includes the distance to other major cities in the United States.
5. **Distance to Other Cities:**
- The Southernmost Point marker typically displays the distances to cities such as Miami, New York, and Havana, emphasizing the remote location of Key West from major population centers.
6. **Located in Old Town Key West:**
- The Southernmost Point is situated in the historic Old Town neighborhood of Key West. Visitors can explore the charming streets, historic homes, and vibrant atmosphere of the area.
7. **Symbolic Starting Point:**
- For many travelers, reaching Mile Zero in Key West symbolizes the beginning or end of a journey, especially for those embarking on a road trip along U.S. Highway 1.
8. **Sunrise and Sunset Views:**
- The location is also known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. Many people gather in the area to witness the sun rising or setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
9. **Nearby Attractions:**
- The Southernmost Point is in close proximity to other Key West attractions, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
10. **Land's End Feeling:**
- Standing at Mile Zero gives visitors a sense of being at the southernmost edge of the United States, surrounded by the vastness of the ocean and the unique island culture of Key West.
Visiting Mile Zero in Key West is a symbolic and memorable experience, allowing individuals to reflect on their location at the southernmost point of the continental United States.