Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Mosquito Fleet
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.
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. Marker can be reached from Wall Street. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Civil War Union Blockade (here, next to this marker); Cuban Missile Crisis (here, next to this marker); Cayo Hueso (a few steps from this marker); Highlights in the History of the United States, Cuba, Key West and Havana
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Mosquito Fleet. Key West Historic Marker Tour:
More details about the anti-pirate 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.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
2. The Mosquito Fleet Marker
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 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 21, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 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.
