The site of Fort Clinch on Amelia Island at the entrance to the St.
Marys River and Cumberland Sound has been occupied by various military
troops since 1736. Construction of the existing fort was begun in 1847
as part of the Third American System building program, which also included
Fort Pulaski further up the coast
in Georgia. A pentagonal brick fort with both inner and outer walls, Fort
Clinch was a safe haven for blockade runners during the Civil War. Briefly
occupied by Confederate forces, its recapture by Federal troops in early
1862 gave the Union control of the adjacent Georgia and Florida coasts.
The fort was used in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, but was abandoned
until the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) restored it in the 1930s. A Florida
State Park, Fort Clinch is interpreted as the base of Union operations
in the area throughout the Civil War.
VISITATION
167,000 visitors annually
ADDRESS
2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
TELEPHONE
904-277-7274
OPERATING HOURS
8am till sunset, seven days a week
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
Summer - dress cool, temperature in the 90s, bring insect repellant,
Drinking water if hiking, suntan lotion if planning on extended outside
activity.
Winter- normally mild in the 40 to 76 degree range, wear layers of light
Clothing. Occasional drops into the 20's and 30's.
DIRECTIONS
In Fernandina Beach, Off A1A
This map was created using MapQuest
TRANSPORTATION
No public transportation
FEES, COSTS, RATES
$3.25 per vehicle, up to eight people per vehicle. Camping-$12.00-$17.00
(seasonal)
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Major pre-Civil War fort; coastal hammock; dunes; salt water marsh;
beach; camping; fishing pier and restroom building.
Trails/Roadways:
Nature trails, beach and dune walks
Programs, activities:
Living history programs and reenactments/encampments; campfire programs/guided
walks
Lodging and Camping:
62 campsites near the Amelia River.
Food, Supplies:
Outside park gate and nearby in Fernandina.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE
See the fort-talk to civil war reenactors. Beach access.
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Some campsites by reservation
BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
One of Florida's oldest, most charming state parks. Go prepared to spend
At least one full day in the area.
VISITOR IMPACTS
All things are protected in state parks:
Please dispose of trash properly.
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Little Talbot Island State Park; Cumberland
Island; Downtown Fernandina Historic District: American Beach;
Historic
Jacksonville.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Florida
State Parks WWW Site
