Truman Annex facts for kids
The Truman Annex is a special area in Key West, Florida, United States. It's both a neighborhood where people live and a place used by the military. This area is located on the western side of Key West island, except for a small part called Bahama Village.
The Truman Annex is famous because it was once home to the "Little White House." This was where President Harry S. Truman stayed during his winter vacations. He visited Key West 11 times and spent a total of 175 days there. The Little White House was part of the old Naval Station Key West before the area became what it is today.
This area used to be a Navy base. Later, it was turned into a new community with homes, shops, parks, and museums. It's known as one of Florida's most successful building projects. Many of its buildings are important historical sites, including the Little White House, which is now a museum.
Quick facts for kids
Truman Annex
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Neighborhood and military installation
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Part of the annex
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Monroe |
| City | Key West |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
33040
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| Area code(s) | 305 |
Contents
A Look Back: History of Truman Annex
How the Annex Started
The Truman Annex began in 1845 as part of Fort Zachary Taylor. This was a fort used by the U.S. Army. In 1947, the Navy took over this area and called it the "Fort Zachary Taylor Annex" of Naval Station Key West.
From Submarines to a New Community
New docks were added in 1932, making it a home base for submarines. However, by 1974, the base was mostly closed down because modern submarines had become too large to use the facility. The Navy's main base in the area, Naval Air Station Key West, is still active about 6 miles (10 km) east of the annex.
After the Navy left, the land was sold to private builders. They turned much of it into a neighborhood with homes and shops. This area is now a gated residential community, but you can still visit the Truman Little White House inside. About 32 acres (13 hectares) of land were given to the City of Key West. This land is used for parks and to protect a neighborhood called "Bahama Village." The Navy still uses some parts of the area, which is now known as Naval Air Station Key West - Truman Annex.
A Place for Refugees
In 1980, many people arrived in Key West by boat from Cuba during an event called the Mariel boatlift. Many of these refugees first arrived at the Truman Annex docks. The Navy still uses these docks and part of the harbor. They keep the harbor deep enough for ships and receive some fees from cruise ships that dock there.
Renamed for a President
The area was renamed the "Truman Annex" to honor U.S. President Harry S. Truman. He loved spending his winters in Key West at what is now the famous Little White House within the annex.
