A conch is the common name for a number of different medium-to-large-sized sea snails. Many of these large sea snails live in the depths of the Gulf of Mexico surrounding the Florida Keys. That’s part of the reason why in Key West, “conch” is a nickname for native-born residents, making the shells an icon and means of identity for the city. Doing so has influenced the culture and economy of the island in countless ways.
The Conch Republic
The Florida Keys were a major source of queen conchs until the 1970s. Today, the conchs consumed in the Florida Keys come from the Bahamas. That connection fueled the conch becoming emblematic of a tongue-in-cheek secession of the city.
In April of 1982, the city of Key West declared itself the Conch Republic. This event was an act of protest against the United States Border Patrol blockade of the Florida Keys. While it was actually a tongue-in-cheek maneuver for attention and a boost in tourism, the endeavor drove a cottage industry of merchandise that features the “Conch Republic” name and shell icon in one way or another. The mayor led the Conch Republic Rebellion which lasted approximately one minute and was followed by a surrender to the US Navy Admiral in Key West. The city continues to host an annual Independence celebration each April.
While the conch is the central icon of the Conch Republic in name and design, the Key West High School teams are the “Fighting Conchs”, while the girls’ drill team is the “Conchettes,” further showcasing the impact that the icon has had on the culture of the city. That impact is just as pronounced in terms of the direct and indirect economic impact.
Conch Shells, the Conch Train and More
Countess organizations across Key West utilize the conch in one way or another as a means of identity. That includes the city of Key West itself and Monroe County, which is comprised of numerous islands of the Florida Keys.
Businesses across the Florida Keys and specifically on Key West use the conch as well, ranging from the Conch Train, which is one of Florida’s most popular attractions, to establishments like the Conch Republic Grill that has been going strong for many years by providing experiences in the Key West style. Additionally, stores in places like Mallory Square Market allow visitors to purchase actual conch shells, further connecting the icon to audiences. Various other stores and establishments utilize the conch as a means of identity to appeal to residents, visitors or both.
Anyone born elsewhere that lives in Key West for seven years becomes a freshwater conch, further highlighting how the icon has influenced the region. It showcases what it can mean for something that might otherwise just be part of the landscape to become an icon that defines the region in a way that benefits everyone.
A Welcoming Legacy
Key West’s unofficial goodwill ambassador would blow on a conch shell to welcome people to the island, with a statue featuring him doing just that celebrating this legacy. It’s one of the best examples of how the conch shell literally and figuratively connects the community and has become an icon that residents and visitors can engage with in ways the define the economy and culture of the region.
