Construction began in 1862 by the U.S. Army on this Civil War Fort in order to defend Key West against a possible Confederate sea assault.

In 1950, the Key West Art & Historical Society, with its own army of volunteers, cleared away years of debris to open Fort East Martello as its first museum. With continued community support, the Society restored this national landmark in accordance with its original 1860s design.

Today, visitors can explore the preserved battlement’s collection of relics from the Civil War, learn about Key West’s wrecking and cigar manufacturing industries, view the imaginative metal sculptures of Stanley Papio, as well as meet the Ghosts of East Martello, including the infamous Robert the Doll.