Help Save Fort Jefferson

The construction of Fort Jefferson started in 1846. Many new innovative technologies were used in the construction of the fort, including "Totten shutters". "Totten shutters" were hinged, wrought iron shutters placed between the brick facade of the fort and the mortar core to protect the cannon openings. Unfortunately, in the salt water environment, the rusting and expansion of the wrought iron has pushed apart the bricks causing structural damage in large portions of the fort. In the pictures above you can see where large portions of bricks have fallen off of the fort and into the surrounding moat.

The park service has started a phased preservation program to stabilize Fort Jefferson. In the last two pictures, you can see the project in progress and the results from one of the earlier phases. To find out more about the fort preservation project check out the bulletin issued by the park on the project: http://www.nps.gov/drto/upload/Restoration%20site%20bulletin4.pdf

Fort Jefferson is truly a national treasure. If you would like to help preserve this treasure for future generations, donate the the park trust at http://www.southfloridaparks.org/