Fort Zachary Taylor facts for kids
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Fort Zachary Taylor
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Aerial view of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Monroe County, Florida, USA |
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| Nearest city | Key West, Florida |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000244 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | May 31, 1973 |
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, often called Fort Taylor, is a special Florida State Park. It is also a National Historic Landmark. This park is famous for its old fort from the American Civil War era. You can find it near the southern tip of Key West, Florida.
Contents
Discovering Fort Taylor's Past
Building a Stronghold: 1845-1900
Construction of Fort Taylor began in 1845. It was part of a big plan to protect the southeast coast after the War of 1812. Thompson Island, at the tip of Key West, was chosen as the perfect spot.
The fort was named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor in 1850. Workers, including enslaved people, helped build the fort. They used strong oolitic limestone and New England granite.
The fort's walls were five feet thick and rose 50 feet high. It had two levels of gun rooms, called casemates. There were also three long walls facing the sea, each with 42 guns. Barracks for 800 soldiers were built inside.
Building the fort was slow due to Yellow fever outbreaks and a lack of materials. However, it became very important during the American Civil War. In January 1861, Union soldiers took control of the fort. This stopped it from falling into Confederate hands. Fort Taylor became a key base for the Union. It helped stop ships that were trying to sneak past the Union blockade.
Later, in 1898, the fort was made shorter. New gun batteries, like Battery Osceola and Battery Adair, were added. The old Civil War guns were buried to help build these new parts. The fort was also used during the Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
From Army Base to State Park: 1947-Today
After 1947, the U.S. Army no longer needed the fort. It was given to the United States Navy for care. In 1968, a group of volunteers led by Howard S. England made an amazing discovery. They dug up many Civil War guns and ammunition that had been buried. This became the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the country.
Fort Taylor was recognized as a historic site in 1971. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Today, the park covers 87 acres. It includes a beautiful beach that was created by filling in land around the fort.
Truman Annex and Its History
The land near the fort became part of the Truman Annex. This area was once a large naval base called Naval Station Key West. It even had a submarine base until 1974.
President Harry S. Truman loved this area. He used Naval Station Key West as his "Winter White House" for many visits. A private beach was built for his safety, but he preferred public beaches.
The naval station closed in 1974. Most of the land became part of Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West. It was also a landing spot for many Cubans during the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Some parts of the old naval station were sold to private developers. Today, there is a museum for the Truman White House. The Navy still owns and uses some piers and land north of Fort Taylor.
Enjoying Fort Taylor Today
Fort Taylor is a popular spot for visitors. People come to explore the historic fort and relax on the adjacent beach. The park also hosts many yearly events. These include week-long Civil War reenactments, where people dress up and act out historical battles.
Images for kids
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The fort as seen from the Gulf of Mexico
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Outside view of the fort showing the moat
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Sign overlooking the picnic area and beach
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Shoreline and the Gulf
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Inside the barracks
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Cannons inside the fort
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Iguana perched atop the outer wall of the fort
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Cannons excavated from abandoned parts of the fort
