Have you ever seen a fort that is surrounded by tropical flowers and trees? The place where the military actions took place turned into a garden, how is that possible?

Joe Allen Garden Center and West Martello Tower is located in Key West, Florida. The ruins of an old civil war fort are now home to the Garden Center and Key West Garden Club.

Well, here is a little history to it.

Construction on West Martello began in 1862 but the fort was never completely finished. Last time it served was during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

In the early 1950s, Joe Allen saw city workers tearing down West Martello. Allen suggested that it be leased by Monroe County to the Historical Society and then to the Key West Garden Club.

So this is how old fort became Key West Garden Club’s Garden Center. Later, in 1976, the West Martello Tower Garden Center was declared a National Historic Site by the State of Florida and now is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Key West Garden Club at Fort West Martello is one of the island's last free tourist attractions. Tropical plants like birds of paradise and orchids grow along the paved pathways.

Garden Club volunteers are often give tours telling visitors about the history of the fort. There are numerous benches in the garden where people can rest in the shade of tropical trees.

Today people can have a wide variety of community events, educational activities and the occasional wedding in the Center.

The Garden Club has preserved historic pathways that wind through arched courtyards.

There are many native exotic trees and plants, growing within these ruins. A gazebo that overlooks the ocean. It’s a really romantic place that is great for professional photo sessions. I’ve seen nicely dressed up couples doing photo shoots at places like this. I’m sure it makes great memories. I never think of getting one for my family, I wish there were photographers there offering to do this work for us, it would be really convenient.

Wasn’t it a wonderful idea to turn an old fort into something new and inspiring? The place where people used to fight became a place where people get married and enjoy peaceful walks. It wasn't crowded at the garden during our visit. It was actually nice, I was able to take a lot of photos without peoples’ heads or backs:-) If you noticed I try not to post anyone’s faces as I respect privacy and also I believe usually people are supposed to get permission to photograph somebody’s face. Even in our school we get asked if we’re ok if our kids get in the schools photos, and I think it’s right.

I read that there are supposed to be butterflies, but we didn’t see them. Maybe another time when we go there we get lucky to find some tropical butterflies.

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I hope you enjoyed the photos.

All the photos are taken by me, copyright (c) @artmom.

Thank you for visiting!

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