A History of Florida Forts: Florida’s Lonely Outposts

For centuries, Florida’s natural beauty and resources have caused countless tribes, nations and countries to cast a covetous eye on the verdant peninsula. One of Florida’s most attractive natural features, though–its more than one thousand miles of coastline–have made it extremely vulnerable to attack and invasion by these competing influences.

To compensate for this geographic vulnerability, the controlling factions in Florida have, throughout history, set up a wide array of fortifications to reinforce their presence and protect their holdings. Over three hundred camps, batteries, forts and redoubts have been established in Florida, from the earliest days of settlement to the present. Many of these bastions grew steadily in size, and formed the foundation for numerous Florida cities that are named for the original outposts.

Featuring the history of Florida’s forts from the colonial period, Seminole Wars, Civil War and twentieth century, Florida’s Lonely Outposts–by military historian and Florida author Alejandro M. de Quesada–offers a thorough exploration of the fortifications and strongholds that have played a crucial role in shaping Florida’s past.