Yes, there is a White House in Key West, Florida and Harry S. Truman made it famous. The house was built in 1890 and served as first officer’s quarters on a naval station. President William Howard Taft visited the house in 1912 and scientist Edward Hayden, who was involved in hurricane research, lived at the house from 1912 to 1915. During World War 1, Thomas Edison lived at the house for six months while inventing new weapons for the war efforts, but the place inherited the name of “The Little White House” because Harry S. Truman spent much of his presidency at this house. (photo courtesy of Flickr)

It has been said that it was at this house where President Truman spent many days discussing the Truman Doctrine that changed American foreign policy, the Marshall Plan to help rebuild Europe and the recognition of Israel. It was at this house where President Truman wrote letters that resulted in weeks of cease fire in Korea, and wrote his fourth Civil Rights Executive Order requiring federal contractors to hire minorities thus making “The Little White House” famous.

Key West, Florida with its inviting tropical climate became the favorite place for many heads of state to spend time and literally work on important issues. For example, in 1948 General Eisenhower held many meetings at “The Little White House” and this resulted  in the creation of the Department of Defense. He then returned in 1956 as President, while recuperating from a heart attack. In 1961, Britain’s Prime Minister Harold MacMillan and John Kennedy held a one day summit at “The Little White House” and in 1962 President Kennedy made a second visit following the Cuban Missile crisis. After these visits from heads of state, the house served as the Naval Station commandant’s home until 1973. (photo courtesy of Wikepedia)

In 1974, the Key West Submarine Base shut down and the house was not used for many years. The title to this magnificent presidential house was transferred to the State of Florida in 1987. Since 1988, “The Little White House” has gone through huge restoration with the help of Historic Tours of America. Although the famous house became a state historic site and museum in 1991, its official use continued when in 1996 former President Jimmy Carter used the house for a family reunion and Secretary of State Colin Powell lead a series of peace talks with the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

If you visit the house today, you will be amazed to see that all the original décor is just as Bess and Harry Truman left it. You will also see very rare photographs displayed as well as a poker table which was Truman’s favorite. Tours of the house are conducted daily and the last time I checked, the admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. The house is located at 111 Front Street in Key West, Florida. Do include a tour of this famous house on your next Florida travel vacation. You will be glad you did! (photo courtesy of waymarking.com)