A vertical mount system for wall hangings comprises a wall mounting fastener alignment plate with an array of apertures to align with a vertical array of wall anchors in the wall and secured by a vertical array of double-headed fasteners. The double-headed fasteners extend through the apertures in the alignment plate and into the wall anchors. The alignment plate positions the wall anchors with respect to the wall. A mounting rail is attached to the alignment plate by the double-headed fasteners. A recess in the rear of the mounting rail receives the alignment plate therein. An array of keyholes in the mounting rail receives outer heads of the double-headed fasteners.