NP #15 * Dry Tortugas National Park * 24.6652* N, 82.8554*W * 09.22.2022
Spent the day at one of the most unique and one of my most favorite national parks. This park combines natural beauty and American History like none other. On past visits I have spent my days exploring the nooks and crannies of the massive fortress known as Fort Jefferson, learning its history, and trying to soak in the beauty of the fort. But due to my broken toe and a clunky boot, instead Bill and I spent this visit floating in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles due west of Key West, as our friends explored the island and fort. The sunshine, salt water, and weightlessness on my foot was just what the doctor ordered. The colorful sea creatures on the submerged brick moat along the waterline of the fort never disappoint.
Tortugas means “turtles” in Spanish. The islands were originally named “Las Tortugas,” when discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513. Later the name was switched to “Dry Tortugas” as a warning to visitors to bring their own fresh water.
The easiest way to get to the Dry Tortugas is on the Yankee Freedom that departs every morning out of Key West. Get your tickets a month or two in advance. You can camp on the island (bucket list!!! But you must reserve a year out). You can also visit via private charters or seaplanes. One unfortunate visitor on this day got a ride home from the Coast Guard hospital helicopter as she fell and broke her hip while exploring the Old Fort Bakery.
In the 1600’s and 1700’s the islands were used by pirates as a base to attack merchant ships, so any lovers of pirate history make this a must visit! For military buffs, the fort was erected by the Army after the War of 1812 to help patrol and protect our shorelines and the asset of the best deep water access point in North America. The Army employed civilian carpenters, general laborers, masons, and slaves from Key West to lay the foundation of over 16 million bricks. The fort at one point became a prison. For my Maryland friends, research the life of Dr. Samuel Mudd. Dr Mudd was the island’s most notorious prisoner. Dr. Mudd was found guilty of his involvement in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and sentenced to life on the island. Dr. Mudd began practicing medicine 1856 after graduating from Baltimore Medical College, now known as the University of Maryland. Although having a sentence of life in prison at the Dry Tortugas, Mudd was ultimately pardoned after his heroic efforts to help other prisoners and staff from a yellow fever epidemic on the island.
There is something about the weathered bricks of the fort that hold my attention and fire up my imagination. So much history. I have pondered the ineffectiveness of the Forts cannons though, as any enemy ship could simply take a wide berth to avoid its cannon fire. But strategically, I think the fort was more effective in hiding a war ship that would chase down any passing enemies. It also was designed for giving shelter to our fleets of vessels in storms and act as a supply chain hub. If you visit this extraordinary park, make sure to take the free tour to learn the fort’s full and fascinating history. And if you plan to visit Key West, make sure to take a day to visit this amazing piece of our history.
