Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Zachary Taylor
Photographed by Pete Skillman, November 18, 2023
1. Zachary Taylor Marker
In 1837, He was promoted to Brigadier General and earned the nickname, "Old Rough and Ready"
Zachary Taylor was the second President to die in office. Within months of his death, this fort, though still under construction, was named after him in honor of his military accomplishments.
Time Line
1784: Born in Virginia
1808: Joins U.S. Army
1812: War of 1812
1832: Black Hawk War
1837: Battle of Lake Okeechobee
1846: Mexican-American War hero
1849: Became 12th President
1850: Fort Taylor is named
1850: Laid cornerstone to Washington Monument
1850: Dies in the White House
12th U.S. President from 1849-1850
"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory...."
Zachary Taylor
(caption)
The letter above was written by General Joseph Totten, Army Corps of Engineers, naming the fort in Key West, Fort Taylor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812
this page online
Location. 24° 32.834′ N, 81° 48.543′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from the intersection of Angela Street and Quay Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, 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: Fort Zachary Taylor (here, next to this marker); Like the Rock of Gibraltar (a few steps from this marker); Home of Fort Zachary Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); To Guard the Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Hidden Treasure (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Osceola (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026
2. Zachary Taylor Marker
The view of the marker along the trail to the fort.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 29, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. 2. submitted on January 14, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
