Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Mosquito Fleet

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 23, 2024

1. The Mosquito Fleet Marker

Inscription.

At the end of 1822, mere months after the first US flag was planted in Key West, Commodore David Porter was sent to take charge. Porter commanded the West Indian Squadron nicknamed the "Mosquito Fleet". Porter was ordered to end the reign of "The Brethren of the Coast", the original pirates of the Caribbean. With the help of the Sea Gull, the first steam powered ship in the U.S. Navy, his efforts are credited with eliminating piracy in the Caribbean.
— Circa 1822 —

Erected by Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 39.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. 24° 33.595′ N, 81° 48.447′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from Wall Street. The marker is on the brick decorative wall with arches in Mallory Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Wall Street, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

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It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cuban Missile Crisis (here, next to this marker); Civil War Union Blockade (a few steps from this marker); Cayo Hueso (a few steps from this marker); Highlights in the History of the United States, Cuba, Key West and Havana (within shouting distance of this marker); Antipiracy Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Seminole War (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish American War (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . .
1. The Mosquito Fleet. Key West Historic Marker Tour:
More details about the anti-pirate

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023

2. The Mosquito Fleet Marker

squadron. (Submitted on February 24, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. A Florida Keys pirate tale or two. Keys Treasures website entry:
The U.S. Navy's first attempt to fight piracy off the Florida coast was ineffective, so the fleet's commander was replaced. The new commander, Commodore David Porter, quickly recognized why: The Navy's ships were too big and slow. (Brad Bertelli, FLKeysNews.com, posted July 17, 2015) (Submitted on February 24, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. West Indies anti-piracy operations of the United States. Wikipedia entry:
The U.S. Navy spent eight years chasing — and occasionally capturing — pirates in the Caribbean. (Wikipedia) (Submitted on February 24, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

David Porter (1780–1843), U.S. Navy officer image. Click for full size.

John Trumbull (possibly) via US Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-17588 (public domain)

3. David Porter (1780–1843), U.S. Navy officer

After rising to the rank of Commodore during his 27-year U.S. naval career, he briefly switched allegiances to Mexico before becoming a U.S. diplomat to the Ottoman Empire.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 835 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 2, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 3. submitted on February 24, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.