Mike Zimmerman, National Park Service

Masons work to preserve Fort Jefferson

The Masons working on restoring Fort Jefferson generally work from January through May.  The work stops during the hurricane season which is June through November.  Check here for current areas closed to the public for safety reasons while they work on Phase 2 of the Stabilization Project.  

TEMPORARY CLOSURES FOR STABILIZATION WORK

These closures will be changing as the project progresses and the work area changes. You can click here to view a map of the closed areas.

BASTION 3 and 4 All three levels will be completely closed to the public from Bastion 3 at the already closed employee housing area to Bastion 4.  Bastion 4 and its associated stairwell are open to the public for access to all levels. 

SELF GUIDED TOUR STOPS EFFECTED Due to this closure visitors will not be able to access the Bakery. The Bakery is on the Jr. Ranger Scavenger Hunt and will not be accessible to Jr. Rangers. The chapel will also be closed to the public. . The Chapel is also on the Jr. Ranger Scavenger Hunt and will not be accessible to Jr. Rangers.  Visitors will also not have access to one of the signs on the self guided tour located on tier 2 Front 4.

BASTION 5  Currently the outer most area or the northwest face of Bastion 5 is barricaded off and closed to the public on all three levels. Bastion 5 is still accessible at the terreplein level on the visitor path, the stairwell, and the walk through near the stairs on the first and second tiers.

SELF GUIDED TOUR STOPS EFFECTED There are no tour stops affected by this closure. Fencing and signage have been posted clearly marking the closures and directing visitors on a detour away from these areas.

The flow of traffic coming up the stairs on Bastion #4 will be directed to travel towards Bastion 5 on the regular visitor pathway. Traffic flowing down the stairs at Bastion 4 will be directed past the Hot Shot Furnace, in front of the Officers’ Ruins and then back across the parade ground away from the closed employee housing area. Please see attached map.

A Preserve Fort Jefferson sign has been placed in the stairwell on the ground level of Bastion 4 which has a posted Bulletin explaining the project. There are extra brochures in this display for visitors to take with them. Extra brochures are located in dry storage.

Thank you for your cooperation.

If you need additional information please feel free to contact the receptionist for Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks at 305-242-7700.