Staff Spotlight, Bill Smith
Park Ranger Bill Smith
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Bill Smith has been a ranger at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park for five years. His travels have taken him from being a student at Miami University in Ohio, to teaching in Virginia. He has passion for educating the masses, no matter what age. And Bill does his best to do that by an ambassador of knowledge, reaching out to the visitors that come to the park.
Bill spent years training and teaching in the fields of industrial art and history. His expertise makes him more than qualified to lead to the daily tours at Fort Zachary Taylor. As he takes visitors on a journey back in time, his keen eye makes sure to point out the overlooked details of the fort. Inquisitive guests are always pleasantly surprised by his attention to detail, and appreciate him pointing out the things they would have missed otherwise. As a tour guide and educator, Bill finds great satisfaction in making sure that tour makes an impact on a guest. He wants each guest to not only leave with knowledge, but also a deeper appreciation of the park itself.
Bill is inspired by the encouraging and positive feedback that he receives from guests. He says that’s one of the best parts about working at the park and being a part of the Fort Zachary Taylor team. He says, “I like the look on people’s faces who have come to enjoy Key West’s best beach, and learn that there is a Civil War fort this far south.” He makes a point to invite those surprised guests to come take a tour of the fort.
Bill’s smiling and welcoming face is an integral part what keeps Fort Zachary Taylor running day to day. His continual pursuit of knowledge is an inspiration to each person that enters the fort’s walls. Bill hopes to keep finding new and exciting ways to tell the story of the fort for years to come.