Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Naval Station

1823 - 1974

Photographed by Jon Swain, December 31, 2009

1. Naval Station Marker

Inscription. Commodore David Porter established a Naval Station here on April 3, 1823 as a Supply Base for his 17-ship Anti-Pirate Squadron. The Station remained in constant operation from that date until its disestablishment on March 31, 1974. Although its function has varied over the years it has operated through seven conflicts with its personnel reaching from a low of 17 military in 1932 to over 15,000 military and 3000 civilians in 1945.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1870.

Location. 24° 33.421′ N, 81° 48.401′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Front Street and Caroline Street, on the right when traveling north on Front Street. Located along Front Street, which is a pedestrian walk way for a block in front of the old Navy Station buildings. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Front Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally,

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it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Key West Naval Station (a few steps from this marker); The Little White House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Little White House (within shouting distance of this marker); Truman's Little White House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Steam Power (about 400 feet away); The Presidential Gates (about 400 feet away); Sunken Treasure (about 400 feet away); Key West Custom House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Photographed by Jon Swain, December 31, 2009

2. Naval Station Marker

Naval Station Marker (refurbished) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Payette, May 6, 2024

3. Naval Station Marker (refurbished)

Photographed by Pete Payette, May 6, 2024

4. Naval Station Marker

Circa 1910 postcard of the U.S. Marine Barracks, Key West Naval Station. image. Click for full size.

The Hugh C. Leighton Co., Portland, ME

5. Circa 1910 postcard of the U.S. Marine Barracks, Key West Naval Station.

This appears to be the same building and location as the one in the present-day photos.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,279 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 24, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 16, 2024, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia.