Welcome to Fort Taylor, Florida
Fort Taylor, Florida was 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 November 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. Construction of the fort began in 1845. It was built 1200 feet off shore from Key West and was built to protect Key West Harbor. During the American Civil War, Fort Taylor was held by Federal forces and assisted the Federal Navy with the Blockade of Southern Ports. The three-tiered fort was remodeled in 1898 and emplaced with more modern cannon until it was decommissioned in 1947 following the abolishment of the Coast Artillery Corps. The U.S. Navy used the property as a scrap metal yard until 1970. The Navy then transferred the property to the Department of the Interior. Fort Taylor was placed on the Federal National Historic Places Registry in 1971 and in 1973 was declared a National Historic Landmark. The Florida Park Service acquired Fort Taylor from the Department of the Interior in 1976. Today, Fort Taylor is now landlocked and is a state park, managed by the Florida Park Service. The fort opened as a Florida State Park in 1985.
Excavations for Civil War artifacts began December 21, 1968 because of the efforts of Mr. Howard England of Key West. A letter writer to the Miami Herald newspaper wondered why Fort Jefferson had been awarded National Landmark status when Fort Taylor had played just as significant a role in the Civil War. England and his "sandhogs" uncovered hundreds of cannon ball of varied sizes, rifled shells, gun carriages and cannon during their ten year excavation period. These artifacts were found in casemates that had been filled when Batteries Adair and Osceola were constructed during the Endicott Period. Some of the cannon and rounds are on display now inside Fort Taylor. There are still numerous cannon and rounds buried in the casemates on the south and west facings. Plans for further excavations are on hold at this time. Once artifacts are uncovered, they must be placed in containers to undergo electrolysis to remove impurities. Because of a lack of budget and manpower for such an undertaking, it's been determined by the state to leave the artifacts buried.
The main issue concerning the fort now is its condition. Concrete added to the barracks building in 1898 when the top two floors were removed are causing cracks in the remaining masonry. Without intervention, the structure will eventually collapse. Grant monies continue to be sought to stabilize critical areas of the fort. A rehabilitation project was recently completed that stabilized the barracks building and added new masonry. The State of Florida has budgeted monies for additional rehabilitation to the fort, but whether the state will continue the funding remains to be seen. The Friends of Fort Taylor are also raising monies thru the Key West Community Foundation to keep this project going. If you would like to help preserve this National Historical Landmark, please contact the Friends of Fort Taylor at P.O. Box 58, Key West, FL 33040 or call 305-293-FORT. Additional information about the Friends of Fort Taylor is here.
Today in Key West and
Florida Civil War History
Compiled from the Monroe County Library and the Florida Historical Society