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Fort Jefferson

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description Fort Jefferson Overview

Fort Jefferson is a massive, unfinished coastal fortification located on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Constructed beginning in 1847, it was designed to control navigation in the Gulf of Mexico and stands as one of the largest masonry structures in the United States, utilizing over 16 million bricks. During the American Civil War, the fort served as a military prison, famously housing Dr. Samuel Mudd following the Lincoln assassination.

It is now the central feature of Dry Tortugas National Park.

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Where is Fort Jefferson located?

Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Key, which is part of the Dry Tortugas islands, approximately 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Because of its remote ocean location, the massive coastal fortification is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

When did the construction of Fort Jefferson begin?

The United States government began constructing Fort Jefferson in 1847 to control navigation in the Gulf of Mexico. Although workers built it for decades, it remains famously unfinished and stands as one of the largest masonry structures in the Americas.

Was Fort Jefferson ever used as a prison?

Yes, despite remaining unfinished, the military heavily utilized the fort as a prison during the American Civil War. Its most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was incarcerated there in 1865 for his role in treating John Wilkes Booth.

Can you visit Fort Jefferson today, and what is it part of?

Fort Jefferson is the central cultural feature of the Dry Tortugas National Park, which was established in 1992. Visitors can take daily ferries or seaplanes from Key West to tour the unfinished fortress and snorkel in the surrounding waters.

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