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Thursday, February 15, 2018

Fort Jefferson


68 miles west of Key West in the middle of the Dry Tortugas National Park sits Fort Jefferson. Construction of the fort named after Thomas Jefferson began in 1846. It was built  to defend the Gulf and protect shipping. 

There is a ferry that runs to the fort from Key West but we took the sea plane





Leaving Key West...the Casa Marina Hotel in the bottom right



Taking the sea plane was a great decision as the views are stunning. The pilot does a great job of narrating and pointing out the sights...the Marquesas Keys on the way out



Here's the mast of a ship from a ship wreck



This is an area of shallow water where the current is strong so the water appears to be churning...it's called The Quicksands...beautiful



When you arrive at the fort the sea plane leaves to get another group. If you take the first flight like we did there is no one on the island except the 10 people on your plane





Garden Key Lighthouse was built in 1826



Inside the fort is amazing. It is the largest brick structure in America built with over 16 million bricks





Dr Samuel Mudd who was named as a co conspirator with John Wilkes Booth was imprisoned here. He was sentenced to life but was paroled by President Johnson in 1869. His role in the murder of Lincoln remains unclear





MK doing some snorkeling in the beautiful water. The water is so blue it is really beyond my ability to describe it





On topside of the fort the views are amazing












Headed back to Key West. This is a trip I would encourage everyone to make. It's a little expensive but well worth it...the beauty of the Florida Keys never ceases to amaze



Hello Key West




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