The Florida Historical Marker Program is one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular and valued public history programs. It raises awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of churches, schools, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, and historically important buildings.
The U.S. Coast Guard Hanger is one of eight historical markers installed by the City of Miami Public Works in 2015. Joyce E. Nelson, president of the Coconut Grove Civic Club was inspired to get the markers installed after seeing a similar program during a trip to Charleston. What is unique and really nice about the Coconut Grove markers is that they include historic photos.
During World War I and II Coconut Grove was a US naval base. In 1932 this seaplane hangar became a part of the first permanent United States Coast Guard Air Station in the country. Planes from the Dinner Key Coast Guard rescued people from the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935.
During World War II, planes flew missions to spot U Boats off the coast and rescued sailors on ships targeted by the Nazi Navy. In the 1960's, the Coast Guard rescued Cuban migrants during mass immigration.
This US Coast Guard hangar site was the busiest Coast Guard station in the country until operations were moved to Opa-locka Airport in 1965. In 1972 the hangar was turned into a gymnasium used for boxing and sailing programs. It was named in honor of local activist Elizabeth Virrick.
The historic Coast Guard hangar suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It was restored with a grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Historic marker F-892 was added in 2015 by the Coconut Grove Civic Club and the Florida Department of State. read more