The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Birth of a State Park

The true revival of Fort Clinch began in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. In 1935, the State of Florida acquired the property to create one of its first state parks. Soon after, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)—a federal program providing jobs for unemployed young men—arrived to restore the fort and develop recreational facilities.

CCC workers cleared overgrown vegetation, rebuilt crumbling walls, and constructed trails, picnic shelters, and roads. Their efforts not only preserved the historic structure but also created the foundation for Fort Clinch State Park, officially opened to the public in 1938.

The CCC’s meticulous restoration remains visible today in the fort’s brickwork and surrounding park infrastructure.

Fort Clinch During World War II

During World War II, Fort Clinch found new purpose once again. The U.S. military used it as part of coastal surveillance operations, monitoring for German U-boats and securing the entrance to the St. Marys River.

The fort also served as an observation post and housing site for military personnel. After the war ended, it returned to state control, where it became a centerpiece of historical education and tourism in northern Florida. shutdown123