Fort Taylor was named after U.S. Army General Zachary Taylor, who later became the twelfth President of the United States. Built in 1837 during the second Seminole War (1835-1842), it was one of a series of four forts built along the St. Johns River to protect supplies and garrison troops. The fort stood north of Wolf Creek, one mile west of Lake Winder (St. Johns River) in Osceola County.