2019 Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days
Be here for the 33rd Annual Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days on February 1-3, 2019 in Key West. This 3 day event portrays the time period of 1861-1862 at a Federal fortress. First person interpretation, weapons demonstrations and camp life are featured on a daily basis.
Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days
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.
Event Time: Friday – 8:00am EST to Sunday – 5:00pm EST
Reenactor Fee: $5.00 fee for weekend. Another $5.00 for shooters on the schooners if you want to go on the boats. If you want to board the boat, but not be a shooter, that fee depends on the boat. Some charge full price (about $35, while some half that amount).
Location:
Fort Taylor
601 Howard England Way
Key West, FL 33040
Directions: Take I-95 south all the way into the Keys. Fort Taylor is located at the very tip end of the Keys.
For More Information
Confederate Contact: Col. Rick Brass 561-932-4924 cwbrass@hotmail.com
Federal Contact: Col. Bill Pangrass 352-615-3012 cog14nysm@peoplepc.com
The roar of cannon fire and the sight of soldiers in Civil War uniforms are to greet visitors at oceanfront Fort Zachary Taylor Civil War Heritage Days Friday though Sunday during the annual Civil War Heritage Days festival.
Key West was the only Deep South port that remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War, and Fort Taylor was a vital base for the Union blockade of Confederate ships. Captured blockade runners were forced to anchor in the waters just offshore.
Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days reenactment 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 ‘ famous Duval Street. Visitors can also shop at period sutlers, the stores of the day. Event highlights focus on educating the public by sharing the history of Fort Taylor and life during the Civil War.
For more information on how to get involved in Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days, contact Kevin Bowes at kevin.bowes@dep.state.fl.us (link sends e-mail). , or (305) 292-6850.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days the first weekend in February in Key West, Florida.
Tags: Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days, Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days Reenactment, Civil War Reenactment, Ft Taylor, Battle at Fort Taylor