Originally settled by the Calussa Indians, the Spanish conquistadors tried to take over this prime real estate in the Southwestern Keys. The beaches became the burial grounds for many of the natives, thus giving the Island the name of Bone Island; Cayo Hueso in Spanish. The English Anglicized this name to Key West. John Simonton, and American businessman, purchased the island from Juan Pablo Salas and developed the island with the help of Greene, Whitehead, and Fleming. They encouraged the Navy to open a base to combat piracy in the area. The island prospered because the coral reefs brought many ships to Davy Jones Locker. Many became millionaires from salvaging the numerous
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