Before modern surveillance, America's coasts were protected by forts such as Fort Mose, the first recognized free Black settlement, and Fort H.G. Wright, key in monitoring defenses post-Spanish-American War. Fort Michie, built in the late 1890s, functioned until World War II, later becoming a bird sanctuary. Fort Tyler, started in 1899, succumbed to storms and was eventually abandoned. These historical structures signify past military importance and now often lie in disrepair, yet they retain cultural and historical significance today.
Fort Mose, founded in 1738 by formerly enslaved Africans, became the first legally recognized free Black settlement in what's now the United States, with residents swearing loyalty to the Spanish Crown in exchange for freedom.
Fort Michie, built in the late 1890s and manned until World War II, was responsible for alerting the nearby lighthouse before cannon practice due to the powerful concussion of its 16-inch guns.
Fort Tyler, known as 'The Ruins', began construction in 1899 but was destined for failure as storms repeatedly interrupted progress, leading to an eventual abandonment as it was deemed useless for artillery.
Fort H.G. Wright was once a key component in America's coastal defenses, having a history that included defending the coast, training Navy officers, and operating sonar programs during the Cold War.
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