U.S. Naval Station (Key West, Florida) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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US Naval Station
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Little White House, part of the U.S Naval Station
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Whitehead, Eaton, and Caroline Sts., Key West, Florida |
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| Area | 12 acres (4.9 ha) |
| Built | 1845 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000915 |
| Added to NRHP | May 8, 1984 |
The U.S. Naval Station in Key West, Florida, is a special place. It is a historic district, which means it's an important area with old buildings. This site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This list helps protect places that are important to American history.
This historic area covers about 12 acres. It is located near Whitehead, Eaton, and Caroline Streets. The district includes many buildings constructed between 1845 and 1923. There is also one building from 1942. You can also find four old fresh water cisterns and four tall storage tanks.
A famous part of the Naval Station is called the Truman Annex. This area had homes for officers. It also included the "Little White House." This was a place where President Harry S Truman sometimes went for vacations. He enjoyed the warm weather and quiet time there.
Contents
The U.S. Naval Station in Key West has a long history. It played an important role in protecting the United States. Many different buildings were part of its operations. These structures show how the Navy worked in the past.
The Little White House: A Presidential Retreat
The "Little White House" is a very famous building within the Naval Station. It was originally built in 1890 as a home for the naval base's commandant. Later, it became a winter retreat for President Harry S Truman. He visited Key West 11 times during his presidency. He used it as a place to relax and also to work. Many important decisions were made there.
Historic Buildings and Their Purpose
The Naval Station had 23 main buildings. These were built over many years, starting in 1845. They served different purposes for the Navy. Some buildings were for offices, others for housing. There were also places for supplies and equipment. These structures tell a story of naval life and operations.
Water Systems: Cisterns and Tanks
The district also features four old fresh water cisterns. These were used to collect and store rainwater. There are also four elevated storage tanks. These tanks helped provide water to the base. They show how important it was to manage water resources on the island.
Images for kids
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Building 21 - June 2020
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Caroline Street Residence - June 2020
