Egmont Key
Island of History
State: Florida
County: Hillsborough County
Founded: 1858
Abandoned: 1974 (Coast Guard)
Peak Population: Military base
Egmont Key has a fascinating history: a Seminole War prison camp, a Union Navy base during the Civil War, a Spanish-American War fort (Fort Dade), and a Coast Guard station. Today, it is a state park accessible only by boat, with crumbling bunkers, an operational lighthouse, and wild gopher tortoises.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy (boat access)
Time Needed: Half day
Quick Facts
- Seminole prisoners held here
- Fort Dade bunkers remain
- Only accessible by boat
Location
Address: Egmont Key, FL
Coordinates: 27.6, -82.7667