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

Building a City on the Sea

— Dry Tortugas National Park —

Photographed by Pete Skillman

1. Building a City on the Sea Marker

Inscription. In 1863, during the height of the Civil War, Fort Jefferson was a bustling little city. Laborers, prisoners, and enslaved blacks swatted mosquitoes as they struggled in the broiling sun to complete this massive fort. Soldiers of the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers used sturdy hoists to raise heavy cannon up to the terreplein while others drilled in formation or stood guard over the prisoners and contracted slaves.

We numbered at that time about four hundred, and represented a busy little town. The fort at night was brilliant with lights, and the place was active with the bustle of many people.
Emily Holder, wife of fort's assistant surgeon, 1860s

(caption)
This illustration represents the kind of activities that occurred here while the fort was being built.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 24° 37.682′ N, 82° 52.364′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from Fort Jefferson - Key West.

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Regionally, this marker is 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: Water in "Dry" Tortugas (a few steps from this marker); Gunrooms (a few steps from this marker); Touring Fort Jefferson (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Mudd's Cell (a few steps from this marker); Deadly Crossfire (a few steps from this marker); Intricate Gun Rooms (within shouting distance of this marker); Makeshift Living Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . . Dry Tortugas National Park. National Park Service (Submitted on February 1, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 24 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 29, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?