Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida: Dr. Mudd at Fort Jefferson
Tiny island 70 miles west of Key West still has the Civil-War-era fort where Lincoln assassination conspirator Dr. Mudd was imprisoned. Walk around, read the Dr. Mudd plaque, pretend it's still the 19th century.
- Address:
- Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
- Directions:
- 70 miles west of Key West. Accessible only by ferry, private boat, or seaplane.
- Hours:
- Daily 24/7. Visitor center 8:30-4:30. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 305-242-7700
- Admission:
- $10 entrance fee, plus parking ($13) and the ferry ticket ($175)
Results 1 to 3 of 3...
Visitor Tips and News About Dr. Mudd at Fort Jefferson
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
The boat ride there was half the fun! We enjoyed snorkeling and exploring the fort. Because the ways to get there are limited, the crowds are small. The only way to take your pup is by private boat, though.
[Brenda Shackleford, 07/03/2022]
Interesting fort. The seaplane ride to get there is worth the price.
[Evan, 02/26/2016]
The island fort at Fort Jefferson dates from the Civil War, and is a 2.5-hour boat ride west of Key West. It's where Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who set John Wilkes Booth's broken leg, was sentenced to life in prison, but later pardoned. There is a large plaque commemorating his service when he stepped in after the fort's only doctor died of Yellow Fever.
Incredible history, wildlife, and a fascinating look at the preservation effort underway. The Parks Service even offers snorkeling gear to borrow for free, plus two meals. The ferry ticket is far from cheap, but the only other way there is having your own boat.
[Jimmy G, 02/18/2016]Unique among American attractions, but someone really needs to build a bridge to it.
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.
Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
The 40 minute ride is the fastest way to the island. Seaplane rates for a half day are about $320 per adult, plus $10 for park admission.