Southernmost House facts for kids
The Southernmost House is a historic mansion in Key West, Florida. It is famous because five different U.S. Presidents have stayed there. This beautiful old house is in the Upper Duval area of Key West. Today, it is a special bed and breakfast where people can stay.
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History of the Southernmost House
Judge Jeptha Vining Harris built this grand mansion in 1897. It cost $250,000 to build, which was a huge amount of money back then! His wife was the youngest daughter of William Curry, who was one of Florida's first millionaires. The Curry family built many mansions in Key West. The Harris family was very important at the time. They even hosted Henry Flagler, who was building the Overseas Railroad to Key West.
Design and Early Features
The house is built in the Queen Anne Victorian style. It was designed as a large mansion with one main bedroom. It has amazing views of the ocean. The house also features big public rooms and balconies on two floors. It has beautiful stained glass windows.
The Southernmost House was the very first home in Key West to have electricity. Mrs. Harris even got Thomas Edison to help design and set up the electrical system! Later, in the 1930s, air conditioning was added to the house.
A Place for Entertainment
From 1919 to 1933, during a time called Prohibition, the mansion had a secret life. It became a place where people could gather and have fun, even though certain activities were not allowed. The first floor was a restaurant. The second floor was used for games. The third floor was a place for people to socialize. Many famous people visited the mansion during this time, especially those traveling to Havana.
In the 1940s, the mansion became a popular nightclub called "Cafe Cayo Hueso." Many well-known artists and writers visited, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote. Famous performers like Louis Armstrong and important figures like Charles Lindbergh also spent time there.
A Home for Dignitaries
In 1949, the mansion was completely updated to become a private home again. Since then, many important people and leaders have stayed at the mansion. These include King Juan Carlos of Spain. Five American Presidents have also been guests: Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter.
In 2016, the Southernmost House was recognized by the Historic Hotels of America program. Today, it operates as an 18-room bed and breakfast, welcoming guests from all over the world.
