Ft. Jefferson/Dry Tortugas

[Eva Elisabeth]

(04-05-2013 09:14 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  There is no fresh water at the location, correct?

Originally, a system of cisterns with sand-filled columns was built into the walls to filter rainwater from the roof. The rainwater was intended to be stored in underground tanks. But the weight of the outer walls caused cracks in the cisterns, and seawater contaminated the fresh water supply, so this system was abandoned. The primary source of drinking water was saltwater. The drinking water was destilled with steam condensers, which also had to be stored to a certain extent. Stored water attracts mosquitos, and the mosquitos brought the yellow fever...The patients were shipped to Hospital Key in quarantine (it was unknown that the virus is spread by mosquitoes). Food and other supplies came by military steamer about twice a month.
As for the birds, Dry Tortugas is the only North American nesting site of the magnificent frigatebird.