Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto
Part of Endicott Period Coastal Defense
Mullet Key, Pinellas County, Florida
One of the beaches of Fort De Soto Park (2012)
Coordinates27°36′56″N 82°44′09″W / 27.615499°N 82.735902°W / 27.615499; -82.735902
TypeSeacoast defense
Site information
OwnerPinellas County
Open to
the public
Yes
Site history
Built1898–1906
Built byUnited States Army Corps of Engineers
In use1898–1910
MaterialsReinforced concrete
EventsSpanish–American War
Fort De Soto Batteries
Battery Laidley & Battery Bigelow
Fort De Soto Park is located in Florida
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is located in the United States
Fort De Soto Park
Location8 miles (13 km) South of St. Petersburg, Mullet Key, Pinellas County, Florida
NRHP reference No.77000407[1]
Added to NRHPDecember 2, 1977

South-southwest of St. Petersburg, Florida, Fort De Soto Park is a park operated by Pinellas County on five offshore keys, or islands: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and the main island, Mullet Key. The keys are connected by either bridge or causeway. The island group is accessible by toll road from the mainland. Historically, the islands were used for military fortifications; remnants and a museum exhibit this history. Two piers, beaches, picnic area, hiking trails, bicycling trails, kayak trail, and a ferry to Egmont Key State Park are available.

The park is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail.

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.