Fort Clinch State Park

    One of Amelia's most unique historical sites is Fort Clinch, the pre-Civil War fort located inside a beautiful state park at the northern end of Amelia Island.
    The fort was started in 1847 but was never completely finished. In 1867, the invention of the rifled cannon and improved gunpowder made the brick construction obsolete. The fort is named in honor of General Duncan Lamont Clinch, a hero of the Second Seminole War.

   One of the best times to visit the fort is the first weekend of any month. This is when volunteers join the park rangers in reenacting life in 1864 during the occupation by Union troops. They fire the cannons, demonstrate woodworking and laundry, cook and eat food of that era, and only speak in the vernacular of that time.
   A special event for this fall is the Veteran's Day Celebration on Saturday evening, November 10. This will include a special tribute to Korean War Veterans and to women in American military service. Also, "The History of the American Soldier" will feature soldiers in uniform and patriotic music from 1776 to 2001. Admission is free, but you are asked to bring a canned good for the needy for Thanksgiving.

A view of the parade grounds and brick buildings
inside the walls of Fort Clinch.
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   There is much more to the park than the fort itself. There is a beautiful stretch of beachfront, including a fishing pier, and several miles of hiking and bicycle trails.
   The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown. The fort itself is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entrance fee is $3.25 per vehicle for up to eight people. Admission to the fort is $1. For more information on special events, including candlelight tours of the fort, please call 277-7274.