University of Miami, School of Communication

Dry Tortugas National Park

Visiting Fort Jefferson

The main attraction at the Dry Tortugas National Park is Fort Jefferson. This fort is a Civil War-era military post designed to guard and protect the Gulf of Mexico for the Union. It is located on Garden Key.



The park is a series of islands about 70 miles west of Key West. It is only reachable by air or by boat.



This isolation has created a pristine place ideal for studying history, marine and wildbird life, for diving and snorkeling, and for camping.




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