Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch is a five-sided masonry fortification with corner bastions built with brick walls several feet thick. Inside the fort stand barracks buildings, guard structures, and storage facilities that visitors can walk through today.

Construction of the fort began in the late 1840s and continued through the 1860s to create a coastal defense position. During the Civil War in 1862, control shifted between Confederate and Union armies, making it a contested strategic location.

The fort functions as a stage for daily military reenactments where interpreters in period uniforms demonstrate how soldiers lived and worked during the 1860s. You can watch these performances at different locations throughout the garrison.

The fort is best explored on foot, with both guided tours and self-guided walks available through the different buildings. Come prepared for stairs and uneven ground as you move between structures.

The fort was constructed using millions of bricks laid by hand, giving it its distinctive red appearance that still stands out today. This massive amount of material reveals how labor-intensive coastal defenses were to build in that era.

Location: Nassau County

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/fortclinch

GPS coordinates: 30.70469,-81.45446

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28