Naval Hospital Key West Fl

• Establishment: Naval Hospital Key West was originally established in 1823, making it one of the oldest naval hospitals in the United States. • Civil War Role: During the American Civil War, the hospital played a critical role in treating both Union and Confederate wounded, due to Key West’s strategic importance and Union control of the island. • Yellow Fever Epidemics: The hospital was at the forefront of battling several yellow fever outbreaks in the 19th century, serving both military personnel and local civilians. • Spanish-American War: In 1898, the hospital served as a key medical facility for sailors and Marines involved in operations against Spain in Cuba and the Caribbean. • Historic Building: The original Naval Hospital structure, built in 1845, is one of the oldest standing hospital buildings in Florida and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • World War II Expansion: The hospital expanded significantly during World War II to support the increased naval activity in the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters. • Presidential Connections: President Harry S. Truman, who often stayed at the nearby “Little White House,” had his own medical records maintained at the hospital during his visits to Key West. • Hurricane Survival: The hospital has withstood multiple devastating hurricanes over nearly two centuries, often serving as a safe haven and emergency treatment center for the community and Navy personnel. • Modernization: In the 1980s, the hospital transitioned from inpatient services to an outpatient clinic, reflecting changes in military healthcare needs and advancements in medical technology. • Community Partnership: Today, Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West continues to serve active duty, retired military, and their families, partnering with local healthcare providers and maintaining its historic legacy.