Life Saving Stations were established along the coast by Congress in 1854. A Life Saving Station was built in 1855 at present-day 80th and First Ave., and in 1895 Life Saving Station #36 was built at the present location in Stone Harbor. In 1915 the U.S. Life Saving Service became part of the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Stone Harbor station became U.S.C.G. Station #132. During World War I and World War II, the Stone Harbor station served as an observation point for enemy sea and land activity. On April 13, 1948, the U.S. government deactivated and abandoned the station, and the Stephen C. Ludlum Post No. 331 of the American Legion signed the deed for the property. From 2005 to 2009, the building was restored and descriptive murals were added to the interior and exterior by post member J.J. Thompson. In 2008, the building was added to the state and national registries of historic places. Today, the building continues to serve veterans and the communities of Avalon and Stone Harbor as an American Legion post, as well as a historic landmark with military and life saving museums.