Fort Jefferson is located in Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA.It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Keys, situated on Garden Key in the park, and is famous for its massive historic fortress, beautiful surrounding waters, and remote island setting.
Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas NP) Location Map, Key West, Florida
Florida Related Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas National Park)
- Fort Jefferson – Massive 19th-century coastal fortress and the park’s centerpiece.
- Dry Tortugas Beaches – Pristine sandy beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Snorkeling Sites – Vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life surrounding the fort.
- Historic Cannons & Walls – Well-preserved artillery and fortifications for exploration and photography.
- Birdwatching Areas – Prime location for observing seabirds and migratory species.
- Boat & Ferry Access Points – Scenic approach to the park with opportunities for wildlife viewing on the journey.
Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas NP) Facts
| Official Name | Fort Jefferson |
| Location | Garden Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Monroe County, Florida, USA — about 70 miles (≈ 113 km) west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico |
| Latitude & Longitude | 24.6286° N, 82.8731° W |
| Total Area (Fort / Park) | Fort structure: 16 acres; Park (Dry Tortugas NP): 64,700 acres (262 km²), mostly water |
| Construction Started / Opened | Construction began 1846 |
| Founder / Origins | U.S. Government — designed as a coastal defense fortification soon after American acquisition of Florida |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service |
| Region | Florida Keys / Gulf of Mexico — remote island fortress in subtropical marine environment |
| Structure Type / Construction | Hexagonal masonry fort — built of over 16 million bricks, with 45‑foot tall outer walls, surrounding moat and sea‑facing casemates |
| Significance / Historic Status | Largest brick‑masonry fortification in the Western Hemisphere; listed as a National Historic Landmark / Historic Place |
| Purpose / Theme / Concept | 19th‑century coastal defense & strategic naval base; later used as prison during Civil War; now historic landmark & cultural heritage site within a marine national park |
| Notable Features / Highlights | Massive fort walls & moat, sea‑facing gun‑rooms & casemates, historic architecture, strategic harbor anchorage, remote island setting, access to coral reefs & marine ecosystem |
| Historical Use | Coastal defense (mid‑1800s), military prison (including during Civil War), active through late 19th century; abandoned 1874 |
| Current Status | Part of Dry Tortugas National Park (since 1992) — preserved for historic, cultural, scenic & ecological values |
| Access / Entry Fee Type | Park entrance via boat or seaplane to Dry Tortugas NP; Fort access included under National Park admission/pass |
| Typical Visiting Activities | Historical tours of fort & casemates, walking on fort walls & moat, snorkeling / swimming in surrounding clear waters & coral reefs, bird‑watching, marine nature observation, camping on the islands, boat excursions |
| Best Time to Visit | Fall through Spring — milder weather, calmer seas; avoid peak hurricane/tropical storm season; summer possible but hot & humid |
| Nearest Major Access Point / Departure | Key West, Florida (boat or seaplane departures to Dry Tortugas; 70 miles / 2‑3 hour boat ride) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Currency (for services/fees) | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official / Visitor Information Website | https://www.nps.gov/drto/ |
Distances from Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas NP) to Nearby Landmarks
- Loggerhead Key – 13 km (8 mi)
- Garden Key Dock – 0 km (0 mi)
- Bush Key – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Long Key – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Sand Key Lighthouse – 9 km (5.5 mi)
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – 109 km (68 mi)
- Key West, Florida – 109 km (68 mi)
- Hurricane Hole – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- East Key – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- West Key – 3 km (1.8 mi)
- South Key – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- North Key – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Sea Turtle Nesting Areas – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Bird Sanctuary (Bush Key) – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Sandbar Access Point – 3 km (1.8 mi)
- Dry Tortugas Visitor Dock – 0 km (0 mi)
- Fort Jefferson Moat – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Gulf of Mexico Shoreline – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Coral Reef Snorkel Area – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Historic Cannon Battery – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
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