Tropical Fish at Dry Tortugas Yankee Freedom II Dry Tortugas National Park phone number Dry Tortugas frequently asked questions Dry Tortugas Fort Jefferson ferry visitor information contact us Dry Tortugas Fort Jefferson ferry contact information
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Why Choose Yankee Freedom II

  Yankee Freedom II Fast Cat
How spacious is your boat? 3,500 sq. ft. (approx.)

Certified for 250 people; to maximize comfort carries no more than 135 people.

1,500 sq. ft. (approx.)

Certified for 100 people and carries a maximum of 100 people.

Do you have multiple
exterior decks with good
vantage points for
sightseeing?
YES

2 decks: A shaded upper deck and a 360º lower deck with access to the front for excellent dolphin and turtle spotting.

NO

One small non-shaded rear deck for smokers.

Is your boat insulated from noise? YES

Main cabin rides on rubber insulators.

NO

Cabin attached directly to pontoons.
Do you have food and
beverage bars on your boat?
YES

2 full bars with frozen drinks on upper and lower decks. Hot and cold snack bar in main cabin.

NO

Cold snacks; no bar.

How many bathrooms
do you have?

Are any of them wheelchair
accessible?

3
large bathrooms totaling 54 sq ft.
YES
2
bathrooms totaling 18 sq ft.

NO
Have you won any
environmental awards
or certifications?
YES

2008 ISO 14001 Certification;
EPA Environmental Award winner.

NO
Do you have an
entertainment system?
YES

4 tvs and stereo system.

YES

Stereo system.

Do you have fresh water rinses? YES: 2

2 open showers on board.

YES

Hose on dock.

How long does it take to get to Fort Jefferson? 2 hours and 15 minutes. 2 hours and 15 minutes.
 
 
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Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd   Fort Jefferson’s most famous prisoner,
Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd has left his
historical mark on the Dry Tortugas
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Park History
Intro Dry Tortugas Fort Jefferson Ernest Hemingway Civil War Military Articles
 
 
Fort Jefferson
 

The Dry Tortugas is the home of historical Fort Jefferson, an outstanding example of 19th century masonry fortification. This six-sided icon has resided on the Dry Tortugas for over a century and is one of Key West’s most visited historical sites. After the War of 1812, Fort Jefferson was built to protect the southern coast of the United States. Surrounded by the dangerous coral reefs of the Dry Tortugas, Fort Jefferson received a light360 view of Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugashouse on Garden Key in 1825 in order to warn sailors. The fort was officially named Fort Jefferson in 1850 after the final completion of the officer’s quarters, and was named after the 3rd president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Although the fort was never really finished, its construction lasted for over 30 years, and included a moat which was never completed due to engineering problems. The end result was a six-sided, 45 foot tall, masonry structure made of 16 million hand placed bricks which would forever be a symbol of the Dry Tortugas.

Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas lighthouseFort Jefferson was also used as a prison for criminals and deserters during and after the Civil War. The most famous of these prisoners was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was imprisoned for his involvement in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

During its time, Fort Jefferson held over 2,500 prisoners. After its use as a prison, Fort Jefferson became a quarantine station for the Marine-Hospital Service from 1888-1900, during which the location was also used in the Spanish-American War*.

With its rich historical background, Fort Jefferson finally received its designation as a National Monument in 1935, and then upgraded to National Park status by President George Bush in 1992.

 
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