Fort Clinch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Clinch State Park |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Fort Clinch State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Nassau County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Fernandina Beach, Florida |
| Area | 1,100 acres (4 km2) |
| Established | April 21, 1905 |
| Visitors | 167,000 (in ???) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Fort Clinch State Park is a cool place in Florida! It's located on a small piece of land called a peninsula, right at the top of Amelia Island. This park is huge, covering about 1,100 acres (that's like 830 football fields!). It has an old fort from the 1800s, sandy dunes, open fields, and marshy areas where the river meets the ocean. You can find the park and the fort near Fernandina Beach, close to the Cumberland Sound.
Fort Clinch History
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Fort Clinch is an old brick fort built in the 1800s. Construction started in 1847, after the Second Seminole War ended. The fort was named after General Duncan Lamont Clinch. He was an important person in the Seminole Wars.
The only time a battle happened at Fort Clinch was during the American Civil War. In 1861, soldiers from the Confederate side took control of the fort. But in 1862, Union troops recaptured it. Fort Clinch then became a main base for the Union army in that area for the rest of the war.
In 1935, the State of Florida bought 256 acres (about 1 square kilometer) of land. This land included the old, empty fort and the area around it. Fort Clinch State Park, including the fort itself, opened to the public in 1938.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
There are so many fun things to do at Fort Clinch State Park! Of course, you can explore the historic Fort Clinch. But you can also go fishing from the pier or try surfcasting from the beach. Many people enjoy sunbathing, hiking, and camping here.
If you love nature, you can go birdwatching or look for seashells. Visitors also enjoy picnicking, swimming, and riding bikes. It's a great place to spot wildlife too! You might see rare purple sandpiper birds, alligators, and white-tailed deer. Sometimes, you can even spot dolphins and manatees in the water.
The park has a visitor center to help you plan your day. There's a pier that's about half a mile long, with showers and restrooms. You'll find miles of sandy beach and a paved road that's about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long. There's also a six-mile (10 km) hiking trail.
The park has two campgrounds for overnight stays. One is by the Amelia River, and the other is on the Atlantic Beach. The Amelia River campground has 41 campsites among oak trees. It has two restrooms with hot showers. The Atlantic Beach campground has 21 sites and one restroom with hot showers. You can also try primitive camping or youth camping here. This park is also a great spot for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Military Re-enactments
On the first weekend of every month, you can see history come alive at Fort Clinch! People dressed in old costumes act out what life was like for Civil War soldiers in 1864. They perform military drills and show how soldiers worked in the fort's laundry, hospital (called an infirmary), kitchen, and sleeping areas (barracks). They also show how the quartermaster, Sanitary Commission, and carpenter shop operated.
The fort also hosts other special events and re-enactments throughout the year. It's a great way to learn about history in a fun, interactive way!
Park Hours
Fort Clinch State Park is open every day of the year. You can visit from 8:00 AM until the sun goes down.
- Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) No. FL-8, "Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Nassau County, FL", 4 data pages
