Session Date
Lesson Topic
An Underwater Cemetary in the FL Keys?
Lesson Outline
An underwater cemetery has recently been discovered off Dry Tortugas National Park in the FL Keys. An archaeological team has found the remains of a 19th century quarantine hospital and cemetery on a submerged island in this National Park in FL. We viewed National Park Service photos and artist renditions of the area. While only one grave has been identified, historical records indicate dozens of people — mostly U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Jefferson — may have been buried at the site in waters west of Key West, Florida. A research group discovered the grave of John Greer, a laborer who died on Nov. 5, 1861. This intriguing find highlights the potential for untold stories in Dry Tortugas National Park, both above and below the water. Efforts are continuing to learn more about others buried on the submerged island. Fort Jefferson was a military prison during the Civil War. Surrounding islands included a naval outpost, a lighthouse, naval hospital, quarantine facility and a site for military training. The fort became a Marine Hospital between 1890 and 1900. An isolation hospital was on a nearby island. The National Parks Service and the University of Miami are partnering to uncover and learn all they can about the new discoveries in the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Session Minutes
45
Minutes Student Attended
45
Session Hours
0.75
Hours Attended
0.75
Entry Status
Review Status
Student Name(s)
Subject