Fort Jefferson

Expedition JOurnal

National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

Dry Tortugas National ParkFlorida

2 Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal

Date:

Dear:

Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas is a special place that must be protected and preserved because

Sincerely:

Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal 7 2

In its history, Fort Jefferson has had a variety of uses. What is its significance to the people of the world today?Artifact Justification (Why?)

Create a question about Fort Jefferson and its current uses.

Artifact Justification (Why?)

Create a “how” or “why” question about your mission.

Spec

ial

Mis

sio

n

Write your special mission below.

Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal 6 3

During the Civil War, Fort Jefferson was used as a prison. What evidence can you find that prisoners were detained here?

Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas is a National Park.Artifact Justification (Why?)

Ask a “how” or “why” question about Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas National Park.

Artifact Justification (Why?)

Ask a “how” or “why” question about the prison.

Fort Jefferson was used as a Prison.

Welcome Traveler!

You have just arrived at Fort Jefferson / Dry Tortugas, designated as a national park in 1982. As you explore, search for features that determine that this is a special place that needs to be protected and preserved for future generations.As you explore the fort and complete your missions, remember to write your observations (artifact = evidence) and justifications (the reasons why the artifacts answer the mission) in this, your Expedition Journal. Then, using your expertise as an archeologist of this national park, write a letter to the President explaining why Fort Jefferson/Dry Totugas is a place that needs to be protected and preserved.

Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal Fort Jefferson Expedition Journal 5 4

Artifact Justification (Why?)

Ask a “how” or “why” question about the prison.

Fort Jefferson has a rich history and served many purposes.

Construction on the fort began in 1846 and ended 30 years later. Find 3 exampes of how Fort Jefferson was used as a fort of defense.

Use your senses to draw or describe how the island looked the day before Ponce de Leon discovered it in 1513.

Dry Tortugas is a natural landscape.1

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