Dry Tortugas National Park

I drove to Kay West and took a ferry for 70 miles to the Dry Tortugas National Park. This mason fort was built during the Civil War. The most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Mudd. Dr. Mudd was planning to kidnap Abraham Lincoln when John Wilkes Booth impulsively decided to shoot him instead. His cell was on the second floor right above the entrance you see behind the fort sign. He helped treat patients during his stay. Prisoners were allowed free range of the island except when ferry ships came in. Then they were supposed to stay in their cells. Dr. Mudd managed to escape on a ferry but they found him again.

We were told that this fort needs work. Bricks fall to the ground on a daily basis. Some part are so dangerous guests can't enter. People can go to the second floor at their own risk.