Revel in the Flavors of Key Lime Pie as Florida Islands Celebrate Their Bicentennial

**Florida Keys Celebrates Bicentennial with World Record Key Lime Pie**

The Florida Keys reached a major milestone as it celebrated its 200th birthday in style. The festivities took place along the Gulf of Mexico and included the creation of a Key lime pie that aims to be certified as a world record. This monumental event commemorated the establishment of Monroe County by the Florida Territorial Legislature on July 3, 1823, and showcased the rich history of the region, which includes the entirety of the Keys and a section of Everglades National Park.

**A Rich Historical Background**

The Florida Keys have played significant roles throughout history. During the Civil War, Key West served as a strategic Union base, utilized for a naval blockade against Confederate shipping. The early 1900s brought about a groundbreaking project led by Standard Oil millionaire Henry Flagler. Known as the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, this engineering marvel earned itself the recognition of being the eighth wonder of the world.

Another key moment in the Keys’ history is President Harry Truman’s time spent governing the United States from his Key West residence. Dubbed the “Little White House,” this historic building now stands as Florida’s only presidential museum. It served as Truman’s seat of power for nearly half of his presidency, from 1945 to 1953.

**Key Lime Pie: A Culinary Delight and Cultural Heritage**

Key lime pie holds a dear place in the hearts of Floridians and visitors alike. Originating in Key West in the late 1800s, this delightful dessert has become deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of the southernmost island chain in the continental United States. In recognition of its significance, the Florida Legislature declared Key lime pie as the official pie of the state in 2006.

**The Bicentennial Celebration: A Record-breaking Key Lime Pie**

To mark the bicentennial celebration of the Florida Keys, local chefs prepared a Key lime pie of epic proportions. This colossal dessert featured a traditional graham-cracker crust, a whipped cream topping, and the juice from several thousand Key limes. With a diameter of over 13 feet (4 meters), organizers have ambitious plans to certify this massive creation as a world record.

**In Conclusion**

The Florida Keys’ bicentennial celebration was a testament to the region’s vibrant history and cultural heritage. From its role in the Civil War to the visionary initiatives of Henry Flagler and the presidential legacy of Harry Truman, the Keys have left an indelible mark on American history. Moreover, the Key lime pie, with its deep-rooted connection to the region, served as a delicious centerpiece for the commemoration. The creation of a world record Key lime pie further cements the Florida Keys’ place in history and ensures that the milestone celebration will be remembered for years to come.