Dry Tortugas National Park

 Dry Tortugas National Park 

It is located in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by the ocean. The park preserve Fort Jefferson and seven island. The name of the each island are Rogerhead, Garden, Bush, Long, Hospital, Middle and East.

This park has a abundant marine life including turtles, fishes and reefs. And it is also famous for a legend of shipwrecks and sunken treasure.

People can only accessible by water plan or a boat. Visitors can enjoy many leisure activities such as fishing, snorkeling and camping.

History of Dry Tortugas National Park

Spanish explorer Ponce dee Leon first discovered the island in 1513.He surprised by the amount of turtles so he named it “Las Tortugas” which means turtle in Spanish word. Despite the beauty and abundance of nature, there was not enough fresh water to drink. He decided to add “Dry” to warn sailors or any visitors that they should bring fresh water.

The Fort Jefferson is historically important. Fort Jefferson was built in the mid 19th to protect the Americans profitable ocean routes. 1825, a lighthouse was set up in Garden Key to warn incoming ships of dangerous of reefs. Few years later, some states viewed this island as a strategic point to control over the Florida and Mexico gulfs. Therefore the Tortugas park was fortified.