“A perfect example of the wealth of history Florida has to offer”
The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, better known simply as Fort Taylor is a Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark centered on a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of Key West, Florida.History of Fort Zachary Taylor1845–1900Construction of the fort began in 1845 as part of a mid-19th century plan to defend the southeast coast through a series of forts. The fort was named for United States President Zachary Taylor in 1850, a few months after President Taylor's sudden death in office. Yellow fever epidemics and material shortages slowed construction of the fort, which continued throughout the 1850s. At the outset of the U.S. Civil War in 1861, Union Captain John Milton Brannan seized control of the fort, preventing it from falling into Confederate hands and using it as an outpost to threaten blockade runners. Originally, the fort was surrounded by water on all sides, with a walkway linking it to the island. The fort was completed in 1866, although the upper level of one side was destroyed in 1889 to make way for more modern weapons, with the older cannons being buried within the new outer wall to save on materials. The fort was heavily used again during the 1898 Spanish–American War.
We visited Ft Zachary St Park on Jan 15,2022. We went for a day at the beach. We live in Panama City Beach, Fl so our beach standards are very high. We already knew the beaches in Key West are not as soft, white sand as ours but we do love beaches! We were very pleasantly surprised with plenty of parking and then to round the corner and find bathhouse with concession stand was a happy surprise! Then after we changed, we went to find our "spot" and found a cabana that furnished lounge chairs and umbrellas for a fee. We don't usually do this at hotels but we were planning on staying a long while so my husband got us chairs and an umbrella. Thanks honey! They set them up for us and we were happy to start sunning for the day. The beach was very nice but of course coral so water shoes are very helpful. The water was great temp and I swam. Many snorkeled, Cabana had gear to rent also. Bob walked over to the fort and toured it. I stayed and enjoyed the beach. I have to say it was the best beach time I had while in the keys!
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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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