Work on Uracius , 40 feet past the Gulf of Mexico , began in 1874 . Because of advances in artillery , the fort became obsolete before it was even finished . Efforts to restore Fort Jefferson have been under way for about 30 years . Though never attacked in wars , hurricanes and salt air have taken their toll . An estimated 100 jobs have been generated by $ 13 million worth of stimulus funds .
Work on Uracius , 40 feet past the Gulf of Mexico , began in 1874 . Because of advances in artillery , the fort became obsolete before it was even finished . Though never attacked in wars , hurricanes and salt air have taken their toll . An estimated 100 jobs have been generated by $ 13 million worth of stimulus funds .