Fort Taylor Welcome

      Key West Army History
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      Endicott Period
      The Fort Today
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            Co. B, 1^st U.S. Arty
            Conch Republic Arty
            Pyrate Fest
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Today in Key West and
Florida Civil War History
Compiled from the Monroe County Library
and the Florida Historical Society

Welcome to Fort Taylor, Florida, one of the most important fortresses of its time. Originally positioned 1200 feet off shore from Key West, it was built as part of the Third System of fortifications to defend Key West Harbor. Construction of the fort began in 1845. The structure was named for President Zachary Taylor by General Order No.38, dated Nov. 4, 1850.

Now that you are here, relax for a few moments and enjoy our web site about the southernmost Civil War-era fortress in the continental United States, the soldiers who served here, the weaponry that defended Key West and how the fort served the United States for nearly 100 years.

This National Historic Landmark was on active duty status from 1861 to 1947. Today, Fort Taylor is now landlocked and is a state park, managed by the Florida Park Service. The fort hosts a Civil War re-enactment the second weekend of February. The fort is also the site of a piratical re-enactment the first weekend of December interpreting the Age of Buccaneers, 1650-1675 and the Golden Age of Pyracy, 1675-1725. The fort is also home to the Civil War re-enactment group, Battery B, 1^st U.S. Artillery. And, it serves as the Headquarters for the Conch Republic Army.

Enjoy your visit to America's southernmost Civil War fortress. See what happened on this day in Florida and Key West Civil War history. Be sure to visit our gift shop. Thank you for visiting!

Click here for the Fort Taylor weather forecast.

Re-enactment Information and Sponsors

Reenactment Units

Thank you for the award! Visit this Civil War site!

Web Site Award