A brief history
Of all our country’s beautiful places of national heritage, one of the most intriguing is Dry Tortugas National Park. The reason why we find it to be so fascinating is the juxtaposition of the gorgeous setting in the Florida Keys. The keys are replete with sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and marine life, with the unfinished fortress that dominates the island. The islands were first discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513. Due to the location of the Dry Tortuga Islands, they were seen as a strategic point for the control of the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Straits. Plans to fortify the fortress commenced almost immediately upon their acquisition from Spain by the US in 1822.
However, construction on the fortress halted during the American Civil War. The unfinished building was then used as a military prison until 1974. Now, it serves as a coaling station for US Navy vessels, even without reaching completion, it is the largest masonry structure in the entire Western Hemisphere. Visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park can learn the many details of its military history on a guided tour of the island. The tour offers the guest the possibility to observe all the historic artifacts still in place.
Main attraction
Nature enthusiasts especially will enjoy the ecological features of Dry Tortugas National Park. The park features thriving seabird colonies that are uncommon or simply do not breed anywhere else in the continental US. Ninety-nine percent of the park’s area is comprised of the island’s surrounding sea, which offers diving, snorkeling, and boating. The sea gives you a great opportunity to gaze at its colorful coral life, and even fish for the catch of the day. Camping is permitted on the island, which gives the whole family the freedom to explore the entirety of the island long after the day tours have sailed home.
When to go
We recommend visiting the park when the winds and weather are a little less harsh, from the Key West. These months usually fall between November and April, although they will also probably be the most crowded. If you’re looking to see everything, keep in mind the ferry ride, to the islands, is about 2 hours! The ride can be rather enjoyable though, with nurse sharks frequenting the waters by the ferry. Just remember, getting to the island is half the adventure!
Related articles: Camper’s Guide: Tallulah Gorge, Georgia or Camper’s Guide: California’s Yosemite’s Half Dome
Featured Image from Alec Douglas/Unsplash
