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Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Part of our in-depth series exploring Southern Early American Forts

Picture of Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Phone: 904-277-7274

The site of Fort Clinch on Amelia Island at the entrance to the St. Marys River and Cumberland Sound has been occupied by various military troops since 1736. Construction of the existing fort was begun in 1847 as part of the Third American System building program, which also included Fort Pulaski further up the coast in Georgia. A pentagonal brick fort with both inner and outer walls, Fort Clinch was a safe haven for blockade runners during the Civil War. Briefly occupied by Confederate forces, its recapture by Federal troops in early 1862 gave the Union control of the adjacent Georgia and Florida coasts. The fort was used in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, but was abandoned until the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) restored it in the 1930s. A Florida State Park, Fort Clinch is interpreted as the base of Union operations in the area throughout the Civil War.

Operating Hours

8 a.m. till sunset, seven days a week

Directions

In Fernandina Beach, Off A1A

Transportation

No public transportation

Fees, Costs, Rates

$3.25 per vehicle, up to eight people per vehicle. Camping-$12.00-$17.00 (seasonal)

Facilities and Opportunities

Major pre-Civil War fort; coastal hammock; dunes; salt water marsh; beach; camping; fishing pier and restroom building.

Trails/Roadways

Nature trails, beach and dune walks

Programs, Activities

Living history programs and reenactments/encampments; campfire programs/guided walks

Lodging and Camping

62 campsites near the Amelia River.

Food, Supplies

Outside park gate and nearby in Fernandina.

Recommended Activities/Park Use

See the fort-talk to civil war reenactors. Beach access.

Reservations/Permits

Some campsites by reservation

Basic Visit Recommendations

One of Florida's oldest, most charming state parks. Go prepared to spend at least one full day in the area.

Communities and Related Links
Amelia Island
Jacksonville Convention and Visitors Bureau

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