DRY TORTUGAS & FORT JEFFERSON
DRY TORTUGAS
DRY TORTUGAS
THE DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
The Dry Tortugas National Park is an important historical site that tells the story of the United States’ territorial expansion, military strategy and the prison system during the Civil War. Its remote location and the spectacular natural beauty of the Dry Tortugas make it a unique destination that is well worth visiting. The Dry Tortugas National Park is home to Fort Jefferson which is a historic coastal fortress located within a group of small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. Fort Jefferson is located on Garden Key, which is part of the Dry Tortugas National Park. Garden Key was originally named by Ponce de Leon in 1513, and he named it “Las Tortugas” because of the large numbers of sea turtles located there. The Dry Tortugas, however, got its name from the lack of freshwater on the islands.
THE HISTORY OF FORT JEFFERSON
Fort Jefferson is a massive coastal fortress dating back to the mid-19th century. The fort is one of the largest brick structures in the Americas, and its history dates back to the mid-19th century. Construction of Fort Jefferson began in 1846, as a response to tensions between the United States and foreign powers, particularly Spain. The fort was intended to protect the country’s southern coast and the shipping lanes in the Gulf of Mexico. The fort was designed to hold hundreds of soldiers and cannon, and was built using over 16 million bricks. However, due to technical and logistical difficulties, construction of the fort took 30 years and never was completed.
During the American Civil War, the Union government used Fort Jefferson as a military prison, and it was the site of one of the most infamous episodes of the war, the trial and subsequent imprisonment of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was convicted of conspiracy in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
After the war, Fort Jefferson continued to be used as a military prison and as a base for lighthouse and revenue cutter operations. In the late 19th century, the fort was deactivated and eventually abandoned by the military. In 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the Dry Tortugas a National Monument, and it was later redesignated as a National Park in 1992.
Today, Fort Jefferson is a popular tourist destination and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can take guided tours of the fort, which provide an in-depth look at the history of the island and the fort, as well as access to the prison cells where Civil War prisoners were held. The island itself is also a popular spot for birdwatching, snorkeling, and other recreational activities.
HOW TO VISIT THE NATIONAL PARK
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the Dry Tortugas is traveling aboard the Four Aces VIP Private Luxury Yacht. There are several reasons why this is an excellent choice for those looking to visit Fort Jefferson and the surrounding area.
First, the Four Aces 55’ Hatteras private luxury VIP yacht charter offers a high degree of flexibility and tailored customization for your traveling needs on and off the water. You can choose your own itinerary and schedule, which means you can spend as much time as you like exploring the park and the fort.
Additionally, you can choose from a variety of amenities such as: cuisine choices, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and from many other services to make your trip as comfortable and luxurious as possible.
Second, the Four Aces VIP Yacht Charter allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, exotic birds, and colorful fish. The crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. You will also be able to take in the spectacular views of the fort and the surrounding islands and stargazing without any type of light pollution to obstruct your view of the Milky Way Galaxy and stars, which are best seen from the water.
Third, the Four Aces Yacht charter gives you the opportunity to truly experience the historical significance of Fort Jefferson. The fort is one of the largest brick structures in the Americas and a true engineering marvel. You can take a guided tour of the fort to learn about its history and see the cells where prisoners were held during the Civil War.
In conclusion, The Four Aces provides you with luxury accommodations and the perfect way to experience the Dry Tortugas remote destination, with the flexibility, luxury, and access to the unparalleled beauty of the area.
