The fort lies to the northeast of Fernandina Beach at the entrance to the Cumberland Sound (Florida), in the northeast part of the state. The Spanish, in 1736, realized the necessity to guard this key entrance to St Mary’s River and Cumberland Sound. In 1847 the US built and named the present fort. It was used by the Confederacy during the Civil War and then abandoned, then occupied by the union in (1862) until the end of the war.

My intention is not to give you a history lesson but to explain why it is part of our journey. I do find the history fascinating. However, as I stood on the ramparts looking out to sea, I realize I have sailed by this fort when my daughter Jen and I sailed on the Schooner Virginia several Decembers ago as guest crew.

Today, I wander through the fort and become focused on small details. Contrasts between clear blue sky, worn brick, winding passages where in certain places the sun can never penetrate. At one point I am startled to see a small mound of feces left by some creature in one of these dark passages. Was it curiosity or terror that drove this animal up a winding dark staircase to be rewarded by a beautiful vista of sea, brick and cannon?