Harry S. Truman Little White House

It was in Key West that President Truman came in search of a place to rest and relax. When the 33rd President arrived, he discovered much more than a peaceful island hideaway, he found a place he’d like to call home.

Built in 1890 as quarters for the Naval Base Commander and Paymaster, the Little White House took its place in history early on. In 1912, President William Taft visited the house and in 1918, Thomas Edison also lived there for several months as he worked on inventing new weapons for the war effort.

In 1946, the Little White House became Truman’s winter home and he proceeded to stay for 175 days. Always at work, the President held various meetings in the home, met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, worked on the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine and continually attended to his duties while enjoying the magnificent setting. A setting so magnificent, in fact, that Truman was known to spend an afternoon in town or out on the water fishing with friends. It's said that he was friendly with the locals and fit right into the island lifestyle.