Fort Taylor, Key West Florida
Campaign: Garrison DutyDate(s): November, 1862 - February 1864
Union Forces: Cos. "D," "F," "H," and "K,".
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Capt. John Brannon occupied the fort, placing it in Union hands. Key West was an important outpost for the Union because numerous blockade-running ships were detained at Key West harbor and guarded by Fort Taylor's cannons. The 10-inch Rodman and Columbiad cannons at the fort had a range of three miles. This was an impressive deterrent to the Confederate navy, preventing them from attempting to take the fort or the island of Key West. Proving to be a severe loss for the South, Fort Taylor remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War.
Fort Taylor, Harper's Weekly