The Truman Annex is both a neighborhood and military installation in Key West, Florida. The area is named after President Harry S. Truman on account of the building that would become known as the “Little White House” but the way in which his legacy has defined this mixed-use redevelopment site that sits in the heart of the Key West historic district showcases something much more profound. His legacy defines an identity that has created a positive cultural and economic impact on a neighborhood and the entire region.
Defining the Modern Industry of Key West
Harry Truman became the 33rd President of the United States in 1945 after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. During the summer of 1946 and only a year after he became President of the United States, Truman took refuge at a house that was built in Key West in 1890 as the first officer’s quarters on the submarine base naval station. Truman would end up returning to the location 10 more times while President to put Key West on the front page of the nation’s newspapers.
The building became known as the Truman Little White House. Documents issued from the Little White House read “The White House, US Naval Station, Key West, Florida.” Truman spent 175 days of his presidency at the Little White House. The publicity generated by President Truman was the beginning of the modern tourist industry that came to define Key West’s economy.
In 1987, following a period during which the City oversaw the now largely idle Navy property, the Truman Annex Parcel was sold to developer Pritam Singh for millions of dollars. These happenings compelled the opening of “The Little White House” to the public on Truman Annex.
As a further example of how this identity has defined the area, Truman Waterfront Park is a multi-million dollar outdoor concert facility featuring a variety of activities and means of engagement. Truman’s influence can also be seen in terms of how streets like Division Street were renamed Truman Avenue in his honor.
That impact has defined the identity of the entire neighborhood in a way that attracts visitors while also creating engagement with residents in a way that defines the present and future of the entire neighborhood.
A Legacy Connecting Solider and Society
The impact that Harry Truman has had on the region has enabled him to become part of landmarks like the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden but his legacy has had a much more profound impact on the city and the entire region. The landmarks that he defined now attract audiences of all types and define the Truman Annex, showcasing what it can mean for a piece of history to provide an identity for an entire community.
