However , it would be several years before actual permanent construction would commence as a result of defense considerations linked to the Spanish -- American War .
The keys were again abandoned by the military until 1882 when military reservations were officially created on the two keys .
It would be several years before actual permanent construction would commence as a result of defense considerations linked to the Spanish -- American War .
The keys were again abandoned by the military until 1882 when military reservations were officially created on the two keys .