Truman Little White House

At 111 Front Street in Key West’s Truman Annex, the Truman Little White House traces the building’s shift from 1890 naval quarters to President Harry S. Truman’s winter retreat. Truman spent 175 days of his presidency here between 1946 and 1952. A guided tour takes you through rooms restored to their 1940s appearance, with original furnishings, personal belongings and exhibits on his presidency. Look for the presidential limousine on the grounds, then walk through the nearby Truman Annex to see its restored naval-base buildings.

From naval quarters to presidential retreat

Built in 1890 as quarters for naval officers, the house later served as a naval command headquarters. Its history spans the Spanish-American War and both World Wars, as well as the Cold War.

In 1946, President Harry S. Truman began using the house as a winter retreat. He spent 175 days of his presidency here between 1946 and 1952, giving the building its familiar name. Truman worked during his stays, holding meetings and making decisions from Key West. The house also hosted other presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter.

What you see on the tour

The interior has been restored to its 1940s appearance, with furnishings and personal belongings connected to Truman’s time there. Exhibits cover his life and presidency, with newspaper clippings and political cartoons adding context to the period. The rooms give a close look at the domestic setting behind the building’s official role.

A guide leads the tour through the house and explains its history room by room. The visit is relatively short, but the guided format gives the displays and furnishings their context. Photography inside is restricted until the end of the tour. The grounds also hold Truman’s presidential limousine.