The Harry S. Truman Little White House in the Key West harbor is a wooden duplex which was built at the end of the 19th century to function as an officer’s quarter on the local naval station. The building housed the base commandant and the paymaster and is located on the waterfront. In the early 20th century, the building was turned into a home for single families for only the base commandant.
Many distinguished guests have graced the Harry S. Truman Little White house with their presence. Thomas Edison conducted research on depth charge for the U.S. Navy during WWI
and called the house his home during this time. Harry Truman appreciated Key West as a place where he could relax and stayed in the Winter White House for 175 days during his term as president. Dwight Eisenhower chose Key West as his retreat to recover from a heart attack in 1956 and also stayed in the Truman Little White House. And during the Bay of Pigs incident, John F. Kennedy and British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan met up here. The house continued to be the home for the commanding base officers until the closure of the Truman Naval Station in the year of 1974, but it remains a place where big names gather, such as Jimmy Carter who came to visit during the 1996 winter holidays and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany who enjoyed a private dinner in these quarters.
Learn more about the fascinating story of this important historical site. You will be amazed about the significance of the Harry S. Truman White House for U.S. presidents and important visitors from around the world. Our knowledgeable guides will be happy to tell you interesting and personal stories about this house and its residents over the past century.
Departs At:
9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Returns At:
9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Activity Duration:
1 Hour
Departs From:
Truman Little White House
Returns To:
Truman Little White House
Activity Location:
Key West
