Fort Jefferson National Monument, Florida

"Fort Jefferson National Monument, Florida" by United States. National Park Service is a historical account published in the mid-20th century. This book provides an overview of Fort Jefferson, the largest of the 19th-century American coastal forts, and explores its significance as a strategic military site in the Gulf of Mexico. The text also delves into the surrounding natural environment, highlighting the unique wildlife and maritime history associated with the fort. The book outlines the history of Fort Jefferson, detailing its construction beginning in 1846 and its role during the Civil War when it served as a prison for the "Lincoln Conspirators." It discusses the fort's eventual abandonment in 1874 due to various factors, including disease and hurricane damage, while also showcasing its later military significance and the wildlife, particularly the nesting sooty terns, that flourishes in the area. The narrative encapsulates the rich maritime history and ecological importance of the Dry Tortugas Islands, making the fort not only a strategic military installation in its time but also a vital natural habitat.