U.S. 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, crosses the key near mile markers 47.5–53.5. Prior to the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Key Vaca was a major rail stop along the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. It was home to a turnaround wye and several machine and repair shops. During the Great Depression and the construction of the Overseas Highway, Key Vaca was home to Camp No. 10, a home for several hundred World War I veterans working on the project.