A deteriorating brick wall at Fort Jefferson provides an alluring view of the sea

Completed in 1875 after thirty years of construction, Fort Jefferson saw little actual use while acting as a necessary defense of the early United States. Years of humid salt air, hurricanes, and intense sun have resulted in decay to the brickwork, but restoration efforts have managed to stabilize much of the structure. Today, Fort Jefferson is regarded as one of the most scenic and unusual National Parks in the country.