2012 Map of Dry Tortugas OE E

About this map

Fort Jefferson stands as the primary landmark on Garden Key in this maritime survey of the eastern Dry Tortugas group. The map delineates a remote island chain and its surrounding coral shoals within the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond the masonry fortifications of the fort, the map identifies several significant keys including Hospital Key, Middle Key, and East Key. These low-lying features are surrounded by hazardous navigational obstacles such as Pulaski Shoal and the Middle Ground. The deep-water Southeast Channel provides a corridor through the reefs, leading past Long Key and Bush Key Shoal. This documentation of the shifting sandy keys and permanent harbor structures reflects the ongoing environmental and structural maintenance of this maritime outpost in the early 21st century.