In a state park in Key West, Florida, sits an important piece of American history. Fort Zachary Taylor, a castle-like structure built for coastal defenses. The fort served its purpose well, being a deterrent against attack and occupation of enemy forces during the Spanish American War and America’s Civil War. Construction of the fort began in 1845, shortly after Florida became a state. It was named after President Taylor after his death, with work continuing throughout the 1850’s. At the start of the Civil War, the fort became a Union stronghold, deterring shipments by the Confederates to Gulf Coast states.
The founding of Key West was built on the backs of salvagers, who risked their lives claiming the boats which ran aground on the reefs surrounding the Keys. The captains of such ships were at the mercy of the islanders, who scavenged everything from the wrecks, only to resell the items back to the shipping companies.
Imagine a sentinel stationed at Fort Taylor when the call went out about a ship in trouble. Spotters in wooden towers owned by shipwreck salvagers would send out the alarm, and the crews from town would head out to sea. They immediately raced to be the first team on scene, to take control of the shipwreck and its bounty.
Enjoy the photos taken of this fort which played an important part in early American history. The self guided tour of the fort was an experience not soon forgotten.
WILLIAM STANLEY
