Latest News
In other news... the rehabilitation of the Barracks Building is on the way toward completion. Construction workers have repaired the masonry on the outside as well as building a new truss system for the roof. The Friends board is researching the manufacturing costs of a replica iron carriage for the 300-pounder, 10-inch Parrott Rifle. This seacoast artillery piece is one of the few remaining cannon of its kind and is listed on a National Registry of Historic Weapons.
Events
The Friends of Fort Taylor produce a number of annual events that help our fund-raising efforts. These include: The monies earned from these events are used in the continuing efforts to help the parks resources. The 2010 Schedule of Events is listed below.
Civil War Heritage Days
The Civil War Heritage Days event is held in February. It's an historical re-enactment of when Fort Taylor was active during the American Civil War in the 1860s. This fortress was one of three fortresses in Florida that was held by Federal forces throughout that conflict. While there were no major battles or skirmishes at Fort Taylor during the American Civil War, this event demonstrates to visitors the role the fortress played during the Civil War. It assisted the Federal Navy in administering the blockade of southern ports that was imposed by President Lincoln shortly after war broke out. Re-enactment participants who portray southerners are "captured" as their vessel attempts to run the Federal blockade of Key West Harbor. The ship's master is put on trial by a Federal court. The case is taken from an actual court transcript from 1862. The event features a military-style parade from a Civil War memorial to Fort Taylor along Key West's famous Duval Street. Visitors can also shop at period sutlers, the stores of the day.
Fort Taylor Pyrate Fest
The Fort Taylor Pyrate Fest, held the first weekend of each December, takes our visitors back to the days of the Golden Age of Pyracy during the early 1700s. While there wasn't a fortress in Key West at that time, we show what it might have been like when the notorious Bretheren of the Coast would have attacked a fortress. In our scenario, the English hold the fort and are attacked by pyrates who are eventually successful in taking the fort from the small company of Redcoats. While our scenario is fictitious, it is known that pyrates did gather in Key West at one time. It's documented that numerous pyrate captains met at Cayo Hueso, the Spanish name for Key West, to plot their attack on the Spanish fortress at Saint Augustine. Visitors also have the opportunity to "shop" at period-style merchants and enjoy a weekend associating with pyrates! Follow this link for additional pirate pictures!
The Haunting of Fort Taylor
The Haunting of Fort Taylor takes place every Halloween -- of course! The rooms where the Civil War era cannon were mounted in the old fortress are turned into a maze that visitors must safely navigate without running into those "things" that go bump in the night! It's been called one of the most scary haunted houses this side of the Mississippi River!! It's also the time when the REAL spirits of the fort come out to play with the actors and visitors. The event takes place during Key West's Fantasy Fest the last two weeks of October and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
- Jan - April: Sculpture Key West
- Feb 24-27: Civil War Heritage Days
- April 15-24: Conch Republic Independence Celebration
- July 4: National Salute to Independence 4th of July Celebration
- Oct 10-23, Oct 27, 28, 30, 31: WEEKENDS ONLY Haunted Fort
- Oct 21-Oct 30: Fantasy Fest
- Nov 6-13: 31st Annual Superboat International Key West World Championship Boat Races
- Nov 11: Veterans Day Parade
- Nov 24: Zachary Taylor Birthday Celebration
- Nov 29-Dec 4: Fort Taylor Pyrate Invasion as part of Pirates in Paradise
- EVERY Month: Living History Presentations 3rd Saturday of the month 10am-2pm