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. 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. Marker 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.
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); 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); Sally Port (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.
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 48 times since then. 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?
