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…
