Photos: Fort Clinch State Park

Named in honor of General Duncan Lamont Clinch after his death in 1849, Fort Clinch is a coastal fortification built by the United States on Amelia Island, at the entrance to the Cumberland Sound

Incrementally built between 1847 and 1869, Fort Clinch played a pivotal role during the Civil War, eventually serving as a base of operations for the Union in the region. Utilized periodically during the Spanish American War and World War II, it was restored to the Civil War era during the Great Depression. In 1935, the fort and 256 acres of surrounding property was acquired by the State of Florida. In 1938, Fort Clinch State Park was officially opened to the public. In 1972, the fort was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Clinch Road links the Fort Clinch State Park with Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach.

The Fort Clinch visitors center.

The draw bridge to Fort Clinch

The sally port entrance Fort Clinch. A sally port is a secure, controlled entry way to a fortification or prison.

The parade inside Fort Clinch.

A parade is a centrally located area where troops were assembled for drill and inspection.

A look inside the guard house and prison.

The Enlisted Men’s Barracks.

A view of the Cumberland Sound.

Visitors at Fort Clinch watch as a submarine on its way to the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, enters the Cumberland Sound. Cumberland Island, GA can be seen in the background.