U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Key West Station

The U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Key West is a brick building with a limestone foundation at the corner of Front and Whitehead Streets. It functions as the operational center for search and rescue missions, maritime law enforcement, and navigational assistance across a large ocean area.

Construction took place between 1856 and 1861, and the building supported the East Gulf Blockade Squadron during the Civil War. After the conflict, the Navy used it for administrative purposes until 1923, marking a shift in its operational role.

The building shapes how the waterfront looks and reflects the community's approach to maritime protection over time. It stands as a visible reminder of how people have organized themselves to manage ocean-related responsibilities.

The building sits in a central location and is easily accessible on foot from the harbor and downtown area. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to April, as summer brings intense heat and humidity.

The building ranks as the oldest brick structure in Key West and earned National Register of Historic Places status in 1973. This recognition reflects its structural importance and its endurance through more than 150 years.