Sunrise: 06:52 AM EDT - Sunset: 08:14 PM EDT
Tour 5: Truman Annex & the Forts
Click map to see the route
For military and history buffs, here’s an architectural tour of significant 19th and early 20th century historic structures on Key West’s former Naval Station (1823-1974). De-commissioned in 1974, the Station was re-named for former President Harry Truman, who spent 11 working vacations here. Twenty-three properties were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The island's military trail also includes 3 Civil War era fortifications that U.S. miitary enthusiasts will enjoy. Finally, Fort Jefferson, located in the Dry Tortugas National Park, can be visited by air or boat.
Brief History
The Key West Naval Station played a vital role in the history of America's coastal defense system for over 150 years. Known as "the Gibraltar of the Gulf," the station commanded the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico at the Atlantic. In 1823 Commodore David Porter headquartered the West Indian Anti-Piracy Squadron at the strategic harbor to suppress piracy in the Caribbean. From 1823-1835 Porter, in charge of the Mosquito Fleet, established a naval port, barracks and a hospital. From the 1820s through the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both world wars and the Cuban Missile Crisis, naval forces were active. In 1986 the vacated 44-acre former Station was sold at public auction. Pritam Singh, an aggressive, turban-bedecked 33-year old American, paid $17.25 million for the old base. Rehabilitation, redevelopment and new construction for 25 years created an upscale planned residential community. Walk the neighborhood; be dazzled by the lush tropical landscape, water vistas and heritage architecture.
Brief History
The Key West Naval Station played a vital role in the history of America's coastal defense system for over 150 years. Known as "the Gibraltar of the Gulf," the station commanded the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico at the Atlantic. In 1823 Commodore David Porter headquartered the West Indian Anti-Piracy Squadron at the strategic harbor to suppress piracy in the Caribbean. From 1823-1835 Porter, in charge of the Mosquito Fleet, established a naval port, barracks and a hospital. From the 1820s through the Civil War, Spanish-American War, both world wars and the Cuban Missile Crisis, naval forces were active. In 1986 the vacated 44-acre former Station was sold at public auction. Pritam Singh, an aggressive, turban-bedecked 33-year old American, paid $17.25 million for the old base. Rehabilitation, redevelopment and new construction for 25 years created an upscale planned residential community. Walk the neighborhood; be dazzled by the lush tropical landscape, water vistas and heritage architecture.