K4T will be active from Tangier Island, IOTA NA - 083 in RSGB IOTA Contest, 26 - 27 July 2025.
Previous activity:
Recent DX Spots K4T
K4T Dry Tortugas: K4JTT, WK4U, K4NHW, W0QH, KD0DTS will be active from Dry Tortugas Island (IOTA NA-079) 6 - 9 May 2016 as K4T.
K4T Log search Operating frequencies:
CW: 3.530, 7.030, 10.105, 14.030, 21.030 and 28.030 MHz.
SSB: 3.950-3.990, 7.250-7290, 14.250-14.290, 21.350-21.390, 24.950, 28.350-28.390 MHz.
QSL via buro, direct, LOTW, eQSL.
Ads for direct QSL:
K4T Tortuga Expedition, 243 Plantaion Dr., Titusville, FL 32780, USA.
US Island FL013S.
Grid EL84.
ARRL National Park, NP17.
World Wide Flora & Fauna, KFF-0023.
ARLHS Lighthouse, USA-316 and USA-236.
Dry Tortugas: fortified walls against a backdrop of paradise
Dry Tortugas Island, which is part of the United States of America, is located off the coast of Florida. This amazing land is known for its unusual history, numerous sea turtles, and unique coastal fortress, which is one of the most massive structures of its kind in the world.
Dry Tortugas Island. Author - litttlebug.
Historical facts
This small island, with an area of only 262 square meters, was discovered in the early 1500s. Juan Ponce de León was lucky enough to discover it. At that time, the island was a group of coral reefs inhabited by numerous turtles. That is why the navigator named it Las Tortugas, which translates as “turtle island.”
Later, the first word in the name was replaced. This was done to warn uninformed sailors about the complete lack of fresh water on the island, which was so often needed by ship crews (the prefix “dry” translates as “dry”).
Despite the fact that the open island could not be used for living, it played a rather important role, as it became a kind of landmark. Sailors heading for the shores of America knew that they were moving in the right direction when they encountered Dry Tortugas.
However, this kind of “landmark” did not always help sailors. Strong currents and shallow waters caused a huge number of shipwrecks. This gives reason to believe that even today, many treasures can be found at the bottom of the sea off the coast of the island.
Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas Island. Author - Nat Curiel.
An unusual fortress – the island's main attraction
In 1822, the US government decided to establish a naval base on the island. It was intended to help combat pirate attacks, which continued to flourish.
It was during this period that a well-fortified fortress appeared on the territory of Dry Tortugas.
However, construction did not stop there. In 1847, a new project was launched: a unique fortification structure with an unusual hexagonal shape.
A distinctive feature of the coastal fort was that its walls rose 15 meters above sea level. In addition, it was surrounded by a moat more than 20 meters wide.
The structure could accommodate more than four hundred cannons. Special embrasures were provided for this purpose.
The implementation of this project, which was extremely complex for its time, continued for decades. However, it was never possible to complete the fort and bring it to its intended state. Work on its construction was halted.
Despite this, 16 million massive bricks were used to build this structure. This is what made it one of the most massive coastal forts on the planet.
Brown Pelican, Dry Tortugas. Author - Bob Gundersen.
Dry Tortugas is a secure prison surrounded by water
Despite the fact that the fort on the island was never completed, the government found a use for it. During the Civil War, the fort was turned into an unusual prison. Its distinctive feature was that the entire structure was designed to hold only four prisoners.
They were tried for complicity in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Among them was a doctor who helped John Booth, who shot the head of state. The assassin, trying to escape from the scene of the crime, broke his leg and was forced to stay on a farm in the countryside.
Unique attractions
In 1908, the island, with its fort and surrounding coral reefs, was designated a National Park. The structure itself is considered an architectural monument of national importance, which is well deserved given its unusual design.
Numerous tourists strive to see the island with their own eyes, as they have the opportunity not only to explore the ancient fortress, but also to learn a great deal of historical facts, widespread traditions, and legends about this amazing place.
Exciting boat trips are just as popular. This is understandable, as the living coral reefs are stunningly beautiful. They have also become home to numerous marine creatures.
Diving enthusiasts can explore the beauty of the underwater world for themselves, observing exotic tropical fish.
Turtles, whose presence on the island was noted by its discoverer, are also worth mentioning.
Dry Tortugas Island is a truly unique place, because only here can you see an unusual combination of massive man-made structures and amazingly beautiful seascapes created by nature itself.
