Don't let the small population and area of Cedar Key fool you ... this is one of the most vibrant and exciting places on the Nature Coast of Florida to visit. Whether you like exploring the coastal waters by kayak or motorboat, discovering Florida's early history, or eating in world-class seafood restaurants in an active nightl-life district ... Cedar Key has it all.

The "Island City", as it likes to refer to itself, was first settled on Atsena Otie Key in the early 1840's. Originally known as "Depot Key", it once was home to an army base used to coordinate Indian affairs. A post office was established in 1845 and the City of Atsena Otie was chartered by the Florida legislature in 1859. The town became an important shipping port, and a lighthouse was built in 1854 on nearby Seahorse Key. Florida's first railroad, completed in 1860, connected Cedar Key to Fernandina on the east coast.

During the Civil War, Cedar Key was an important source of supplies, including salt, to the Confederate Army. It was invaded by Union forces in 1862, and occupied for the remainder of the war. The salt works were destroyed as part of the invasion, but you can still see an original salt kettle at the Cedar Key Museum State Park.

In the late 1800's, many residents of Atsena Otie had relocated to Way Key ... the next island toward the mainland. The new town had been incorporated in 1869. A pencil factory was built at that location that fabricated pencils from local cypress trees. The draw of jobs, plus the resumption of freight and passenger train service after the Civil War, eventually caused the population on Way Key to exceed that on Atsena Otie Key. A hurricane in 1896 was the final blow to occupation of Atsena Otie. A ten foot tidal surge swept over the town on the key, killing more than 100 people. Today, only a few ruins, and an historic cemetery, give testament to the thriving community that once existed on Atsena Otie Key.

The pencil factory, and a fiber and brush factory established by Dr. Dan Andrews - which made brooms from the fiber of palm trees - are now part of Cedar Key history. Be sure to visit the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum in downtown Cedar Key to get an in depth look at both of these industries.

The City of Cedar Key sits in the midst of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1929 to protect native and migratory birds. It is also within the bounds of the Cedar Keys Historic and Archaeological  District, which includes 8,000 acres of surrounding land. The natural significance of the ecosystem at Cedar Keys is further commemorated by John Muir - revered as the "Father of the National Parks" - who ended his 1,000 mile walk from Kentucky at Cedar Key.Activities & Facilities

Hotel or B&BRestaurantMuseum or Visitor CenterPicnic shelterDogs allowedLive musicShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsPaved bike trailsSwimmingOpen gulf kayakingRiver or lake kayakingMotor boatingFishing

• City of Cedar Key official website
• Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce
• Cedar Key Historical Society Museum