STATE PARK

ON THE BUCCANEER TRAIL IN FERNANDINA BEACH

Fort Clinch State Park

Situated in the northeast corner of the State, Fort Clinch is one of Florida's most popular state parks. A tour of the old fort is a must for every visitor to this historic state park. Hundreds of people daily climb its ramparts and view the many historic momentoes in the museum. The fort overlooks Cumberland Sound and one may see the Georgia shoreline across its expanse. Fishermen line the shores of this park and are especially fond of trying their luck among the Jetties. Well marked and interesting nature trails are ideal for a family outing. Refreshments may be purchased at the office near the Fort entrance. Persons visiting this park for sightseeing and pickinicking purposes pay only a small 50 cent per car or $2 per truck or bus facility fee. The shaded camping area will accomodate up to several hundred campers daily and features clean and attractive sanitary facilities. Overnight camping is $1.50 per night or 49 per week per campsite. A boat launching ramp is available and a nominal fee of 50 cents is charged for launching privileges. Sorry, no pets allowed to remain in the park overnight. The Park closes at 10 P.M. We hope you enjoy your visit to Fort Clinch State Park and will plan to return often and visit the many other Florida State Parks. For futher information write the Florida Park Service, Tallahassee, Florida.

It is quite fitting that this beautiful and interesting 1,086 acre State Park be named after the well built brick fort which guarded the entrance to broad Cumberland Sound into which flows both the Amelia and St. Marys Rivers. The fort and park are three miles from the city of Fernandina Beach and occupy the northeast tup of historic Amelia Islandl; therefore, it is the most northeasterly point in Florida. General Duncan L. Clinch well deserved to have this fort named in his honor. He served with great distinction int he War of 1812, he fought the Seminole in Florida and he also fought in the War with Mexico. The fort was started in 1850; one of a chain along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The Confederates seized it and strengthened it, but hastily evacuated it in 1862 when a combine Naval and Army attack threatened. Federal forces possessed Amelia Island during the remainder of the War. It was again strengthened and used during the Spanish-American War. It found limited use during World War II. However, all of Amelia Island is very rich in history as over it have flown eight flags in the following order: France, Spain, Great Britain, Spain, Patriots, Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, Spain, United States, Confederate and it is still flying the flag of the United States. Fernandina itself, Old Fernandina, the Plaza where the Spanish fortification (Fort San Carlos), stood, and many nearby places are scenic, interesting, steeped in history, garlanded in legend or the subjects of books of fiction. The Battle of McLure's Hill was fought here and is appropriately marked. The museum, inside the Fort, is filled with historical and other objects which acquaint one with the history of this position in Florida. A boat ramp and parking area are located at the Camping Area. The camping area has tables, benches, outdoor stoves and restrooms and a central water supply. The picnic area is near the fort parking area and is provided with tables, benches and stoves. The Refreshment Building is nearby. The Jetty Lodge is a recreation building where, by special arrangement, groups may be entertained. Nearby in the vicinity of the Jetty, fishermen pit their skill and luck against the great vareity of fish found here. A park road has been built from the Jetty Lodge to the Jetty. The great sand dunes and the white, sandy beaches of the Sound and Atlantic are beautiful and interesting. The thick hammock growth is beautiful too, and the tree, plants, flowers, and birds are very interesting. Fort Clinch State Park, on A1A, the "Buccaneer Trail," is one of the finest military-nature-seaside parks in the nation. It is one of Florida's best which are outstanding. It adds much to the historical, cultural and recreational need of Florida's citizens and visitors from other states and countries. A few miles south, also on the Buccaneer Trail, is Little Talbot Island State Park and nearby are the Fort George Historic Sites consisting of Huguenot Memorial, Kingsley Plantation, and Yellow Bluff Fort. All we ask is that you visit it, use it, protect it and observe "State Park Good Manners" as posted in the Park.

[Guide Map of Fort Clinch State Park, provided by Florida Park Service]