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A Fort in the Middle of Nowhere: The Story of Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas
The gentle breeze of the Florida Current and the quiet waves lapping the white sand beaches of this lonely stretch of islands known as the Dry Tortugas are a sharp juxtaposition to the domineering structure of Fort Jefferson.
Seventy miles west of Key West, Florida, and 120 miles north of Cuba, plopped squarely in the center of nowhere, these islands and the imposing brick structure dominating them played an integral role in American history.
How the Dry Tortugas Got Its Name
First discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, the most noteworthy bit of information about this small group of islands was the only thing written on maps: tortugas, or turtles. On these islands, sailors could find fresh food in the form of sea turtles, a welcome respite after weeks or months at sea. Later, notes were added to indicate that this saltwater-laden group of islands was bereft of ever-important fresh water. Hence, the islands became known as the Dry Tortugas.
Located in the midst of the Gulf Stream and along important shipping routes from the New World back to Europe, the Dry Tortugas provided refuge provided for explorers and merchants during storms. And even though these islands encompass a total land area of just 0.2 square miles, their strategic location proved instrumental in the Union’s defeat of the South during the Civil War.
Strategic Military Intervention
As America expanded rapidly with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the Florida Purchase in 1821, our young nation recognized the importance of securing this strategic location. Undeveloped railroad infrastructure and lack of a highway system meant that transporting goods was done in large part by ships.
If another country were to take the Dry Tortugas, America’s ability to defend herself with a small navy and limited army could be compromised. And even more, shipping routes connecting the more developed eastern side of the continent with the west in its infancy (as well as merchant ships between the states and other countries) were of utmost importance.
