Fort East Martello is a historic military fort located in Key West, Florida. Here's an overview of Fort East Martello:

1. **Construction and Purpose:**
   - Construction of Fort East Martello began during the Civil War in 1862. The fort was part of a series of coastal defenses built to protect Key West and its valuable harbor from potential Confederate threats.

2. **Design and Architecture:**
   - The fort's design is characterized by its circular layout with a central courtyard. It features a surrounding moat, a drawbridge, and defensive elements typical of military architecture of the time.

3. **Materials Used:**
   - Similar to other forts in the area, Fort East Martello was constructed using coral rock, a local material that is a limestone composed of coral and shell fragments.

4. **Civil War Era:**
   - Fort East Martello, like Fort Zachary Taylor, was never fully completed or armed. By the end of the Civil War in 1865, changes in military technology and strategy rendered such forts obsolete.

5. **Named After Captain Martello:**
   - The fort is named after Captain Francis Hendricks Martello, a U.S. Navy officer who served in the Florida Keys during the 19th century.

6. **Caretaker's Quarters:**
   - Within the fort complex, there is a building that once served as the caretaker's quarters. Today, this structure houses the Key West Art & Historical Society's museum collection.

7. **Key West Art & Historical Society:**
   - Fort East Martello is currently operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society. The society transformed the fort into a museum that focuses on local history, maritime heritage, and military history.

8. **Exhibits and Collections:**
   - The museum at Fort East Martello features exhibits on various aspects of Key West's history, including its military past, shipwrecks, and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the island.

9. **Robert the Doll:**
   - One of the notable attractions at Fort East Martello is Robert the Doll, a reportedly haunted doll with a mysterious and eerie reputation. The doll is part of the museum's collection and has become a local legend.

10. **Public Access:**
    - Fort East Martello is open to the public, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the fort's interior, learn about Key West's history, and view the diverse exhibits curated by the Key West Art & Historical Society.

Fort East Martello stands as a historic landmark that not only represents Key West's military past but also serves as a cultural and educational hub through the efforts of the Key West Art & Historical Society. Visitors can experience the fort's architecture, learn about local history, and encounter intriguing artifacts such as Robert the Doll.