key west history, part 3

THE CIVIL WAR

During the American Civil War, the state of Florida seceded and joined the Confederacy but Key West remained in Union hands because of its importance as a naval base. Most of the locals were sympathetic to the South and many flew Confederate flags over their “Conch” homes.

Fort Zachary Taylor was constructed between 1845 and 1866. It was a very important Key West outpost during the Civil War.

  

In 1861, construction began on two other important forts, East and West Martello Towers, and they served as sidearms and batteries for the larger Fort Zac.

 All three forts were connected to by railroad tracks for movement of military munitions.

So, for the American Civil War, Key West was loaded for bear. Key West held the largest cache of cannon in one place during the war but never a shot was fired.