Dry Tortugas << tawr TOO guhz >> National Park includes seven islands, made up of coral reefs and sand, and their surrounding shoals and waters. The park lies about 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida (see Key West). It is known for its unusual bird and marine life. Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon reached the islands in 1513. He named them Tortugas—which means turtles in Spanish—for the many turtles he found there. The later name, Dry Tortugas, refers to the fact that the islands contain no fresh water. Historic Fort Jefferson is located in the park. The fort was constructed between 1846 and 1875 to protect the United States from invasion. It was never completed, however. Fort Jefferson became a national monument in 1935. In 1992, the area was designated Dry Tortugas National Park. For the area of the park, see National Park System (table: National parks).
