I’m finally getting around to writing our second blog from Key West. If you’ll remember, we rented a golf cart and toured Key West. Click here to see about those adventures!
Fort Zachary Taylor is at the southernmost edge of the continental United States in Key West and was built before the Civil War. This historic fort is home to the largest cache of Civil War armament in the world.
This National Historic Landmark covers 54 acres. Construction of the fort began in 1845, not long after Florida became a state. It became Fort Zachary Taylor in 1850, after President Zachary Taylor, who had died earlier that year.
Civil War
This small, but mighty, fort played a significant role in protecting the southernmost coastline.
Captain John Brannan placed the fort in the hands of the Union Army. The main purpose of the fort during the war was to be the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s East Gulf Coast blockade squadron, in charge of keeping supply ships from reaching Confederate ports in the Gulf of Mexico. Even though the fort never saw military action, remnants of the Civil War equipment can be seen all over the property.
For more information on the history of Fort Taylor and ongoing efforts to preserve this important part of American history, click here.
A little video of the sights in and around Fort Taylor
Details for your visit
Park Address and Hours:
General Park hours
8:00 am to Sunset Daily
The Fortress hours
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Daily
601 Howard England Way
Key West, FL 33040
Park Entrance Fees:
Number of People in Vehicle:
1 $ 4.50
2 $ 7.00
each additional person $ .50
Riding Bike or walking $ 2.50
We truly enjoyed our visit to Fort Zachary Taylor and would recommend it to anyone visiting Key West.
(We have no ads and make no money on this blog. It’s strictly for information purposes.) HOWEVER, if you’d like to support Jennifer’s writing career, check out her contemporary romance novels by visiting her website www.jenniferskinnell.com