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

Home of Fort Zachary Taylor

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

1. Home of Fort Zachary Taylor Marker

Inscription.
Perched at Key West's southern tip, Fort Zachary Taylor (constructed 1845-66) was part of a Third Tier System of Defense Fortifications plan built after the War of 1812. It remained in Union hands during the Civil War, serving as the East Gulf Blockading Squadron headquarters, later upgraded in the Spanish-American War. With the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the U.S., it became a National Historic Landmark (1973) and park (opened 1985), preserving 120+ years of coastal-defense history.

Erected by America250FL Road Trip.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 24° 32.818′ N, 81° 48.531′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Angela Street and Quay Road on Angela Street. The marker is located at the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. 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.

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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: Zachary Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Zachary Taylor (within shouting distance of this marker); Like the Rock of Gibraltar (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Taylor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); To Guard the Harbor (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Taylor (about 300 feet away); Hidden Treasure (about 400 feet away); Battery Osceola (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

2. Home of Fort Zachary Taylor Marker

The view of the marker and cannon at the entrance to the fort.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

3. Home of Fort Zachary Taylor Marker

The view of the interior of the fort.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

4. Home of Fort Zachary Taylor Marker

The view of the moat outside the perimeter of the fort wall.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

5. Home of Fort Zachary Taylor Marker

One of the large gun from the fort.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 31 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 7, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.