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

An Island of Civility

— Dry Tortugas National Park —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, November 20, 2023

1. An Island of Civility Marker

Inscription. In contrast with the soldiers' barracks, the three-story, 68-room officers' quarters that stood here was an island of civility and comfort for the officers, women, children, and slaves or servants. The complex was begun in 1848 and enlarged in 1863. Never fully completed, it consisted of three rows of privies (outhouses), kitchens (foreground foundations), and quarters. Hurricanes and a 1927 fire ravaged the buildings. The hazardous ruins were removed in the 1960s.

(captions)
Officers' quarters about 1867
Behind the officers' quarters were rows of kitchens and privies.
An officer and three youngsters pose in front of the officers' quarters in the late 1800s.

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

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 24° 37.757′ N, 82° 52.416′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from Fort Jefferson - Key West. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker 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: The Moat (a few steps from this marker); Red-Hot Cannonballs (within shouting distance of this marker); 15-Inch Rodman (within shouting distance of this marker); Parade Ground Panorama (within shouting distance of this marker); Bread, Bugs, and Beef (within shouting distance of this marker); Keeping Powder Dry and Safe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Brevet Major, Jos. Sim Smith (about 400 feet away); The Hospital (about 400 feet away). 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.)

Ruins of the officers' quarters image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, November 20, 2023

2. Ruins of the officers' quarters

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 170 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 29, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.