Millions of Bricks, Thousands of Miles: Building Fort Jefferson
In the skies overhead, magnificent frigatebirds soar lazily along in the Florida Current above the group of islands known as the Dry Tortugas. Weighing only 3 pounds, but wielding impressive 6-foot wingspans, these birds hunt their own food. They aren’t just looking for prey; they’re carefully watching other birds.
When another bird makes a catch, the magnificent frigate swoops in, harassing them until they drop it, then taking it for themselves. They are not unlike the pirates who may have frequented these same shores centuries ago, eyeing the riches of others before taking them by force.
This group of islands holds centuries of human history but also played a role in the deadliest war in U.S. history. But the planning, engineering, and massive manpower required to build Fort Jefferson is a story in and of itself.
Location, location
After assessing the location of the group of islands known as the Dry Tortugas, the United States military decided they would be an ideal location for a fort. From this location, they could both defend the United States from the naval forces of other…
