FORT CLINCH STATE PARK

One of Amelia's most unique historical sites is Fort Clinch, the pre-CivilWar 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.

Arial view of Fort Clinch
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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.

There is much more to the park than the fort itself. There is a beautiful stretch of beachfront perfect for swimming and shark tooth hunting. There are also several miles of hiking and bicycle trails. Unfortunately, the fishing pier is closed for repairs until Thanksgiving weekend.

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 $5 per vehicle for up to eight people. Admission to the fort is $2.

For more information about the park, go to www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch or call (904) 277-7274.