Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
2nd South Carolina Regiment
Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 3, 2023
1. 2nd South Carolina Regiment Marker
In January of 1863, Col. James Montgomery of Kansas was authorized to raise a regiment of troops consisting entirely of free blacks and former refugee slaves. The following month, he arrived in Key West to recruit men for that regiment.
All Africans between the ages of 15 and 50 not in the services were ordered to report for medical examination and, if capable of bearing arms, to embark on the US Steamer Cosmopolitan for transport to Hilton Head to serve in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment.
Some of these men returned to Key West after the war and started families. Several more were injured. At least 18 of them paid the ultimate price.
These men served with great distinction, but their names were lost to time. This monument honors their courage, their actions, and their sacrifices, but most importantly, stands to make sure these men are never forgotten again.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1863.
Location. 24° 33.446′ N, 81° 47.285′ W. Memorial is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is on the Florida Keys. 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: Montford Point Marines (here, next to this marker); Agent Orange (here, next to this marker); Korean War Veterans (here, next to this marker); Dedicated to All Women Veterans (a few steps from this marker); Vietnam Living Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Eloy Angel Rodriguez (a few steps
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 3, 2023
2. 2nd South Carolina Regiment Marker
Also see . . . 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Colored). (Submitted on June 1, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,750 times since then and 293 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
