Marine Barracks, Key West, FL

• Established in 1823: Marine Barracks, Key West, was officially established in 1823 to protect the newly formed naval station and to provide security against piracy in the region. • Pirate Suppression: Marines stationed at Key West played a critical role in suppressing piracy and smuggling in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico during the early 19th century. • Civil War Importance: During the American Civil War, Key West remained under Union control, and the Marine Barracks supported the blockade of Confederate shipping through the Gulf. • Historic Fortifications: Marines were responsible for manning and maintaining local coastal defenses, including Fort Zachary Taylor, which remains a historic landmark today. • Spanish-American War Role: The Barracks served as a staging area for Marines deploying to Cuba and other Caribbean islands during the Spanish-American War in 1898. • Hurricane Survival: The Marines at Key West endured several devastating hurricanes in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often aiding in recovery and rescue operations for the local population. • World War II Expansion: During WWII, the base expanded significantly as Key West became a major anti-submarine warfare center, with Marines providing security and coastal defense. • Cuban Missile Crisis: In 1962, Key West and its Marine detachment were on high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis, due to their proximity to Cuba—just 90 miles away. • Presidential Visits: The Barracks and its Marines have provided security for multiple presidential visits, including those by Harry S. Truman during his “Little White House” stays. • Modern Legacy: Although the original Marine Barracks were decommissioned, the U.S. Marine Corps maintains a presence at Naval Air Station Key West, and the Barracks’ legacy is honored in local museums and commemorations.