Dry Tortugas#
![Dry Tortugas Dry Tortugas](/attach/Geography/America/United_States/Pictures/Factbook_Pictures/890us/890us.jpg)
Image courtesy of NASA., under PD
The islands were named "Dry Tortugas" upon discovery by Ponce de Leon in 1513 - "tortugas" means turtles in Spanish, and the islands are "dry" as no fresh water is found on them. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the islands nevertheless have been designated a national park and are visited by hundreds every year.
This view highlights three islands in the group: Bush Key, Hospital Key, and Garden Key - the site of hexagonal Civil War-era Fort Jefferson.