Forts of Florida: A Guidebook

A quick and accurate tour guide to Florida's military past"This comprehensive book of Florida forts will shock readers with its historical insight and depth. A must-read for anyone planning a vacation to any of Florida's iconic historical landmarks."--Matthew J. Clavin, author of Toussaint Louverture and the American Civil War"Florida's military past is multi-layered and few books can match this one in demonstrating the complexity of its dimensions."--Joe Knetsch, author of Fear and Anxiety on the Florida FrontierBecause of its extensive coastline--the longest of any state--Florida has always been at the forefront of U.S. military defense. The state's unique military history is revealed in its forts and outposts and in the museums maintained at those sites today.     This vivid guidebook focuses on those places that offer more than a simple historical marker to visitors. While there are numerous sites that have been important in the state's military history, Forts of Florida highlights the twenty-four locations that still have existing features, whether ruins, reconstructions, or preserved structures. All are open to the public, and many are among the state's most popular tourist destinations, including Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, and the Air Museum at the Pensacola Air Station.     Accompanied by historic and contemporary photographs, maps, and engravings, each entry discusses the architecture and context of the site in relation to Florida and U.S. history. The thorough background descriptions will benefit those planning first-time trips, as well as  those who have long enjoyed visiting these sites.