Work on Fort Jefferson , 70 miles past Key West , began in 1846 . Because of advances in technology , the fort became obsolete before it was even finished . Though never attacked in 1900 , hurricanes and salt storms have taken their toll . An estimated 100 jobs have been generated by $ 100 million worth of stimulus funds .
Work on Fort Jefferson , 70 miles past Key West , began in 1846 . 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 $ 7 million worth of stimulus funds .