Some visitors are lucky enough to see the huge sea turtles that gave the islands their name. The little islands are also home to many kinds of sea birds. Visitors are not permitted on some of the islands in the Dry Tortugas National Park because they would frighten birds that are laying eggs.

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CHRISTOPHER CRUISE: When Fort Jefferson was a prison, a sign was placed on the wall for new prisoners to see. It said, “Thee Who Enter Here Leave Hope Behind.” Few prisoners except for Doctor Mudd had any hope of ever leaving there.

Today the old fort and empty little islands provide a protected home for thousands of birds, fish and turtles. Visitors travel for hours on high-speed boats that bring them from the island of Key West, Florida. They swim in the warm waters and enjoy the bright sun. Many explore the underwater shipwrecks. Still others bring tents and spend a few days living on the white sand beaches.

The striking natural beauty of the island today seems to clash with its earlier history as a lonely, inescapable prison. Doctor Mudd surely would approve of the change.

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FAITH LAPIDUS: This program was written by Paul Thompson and produced by Brianna Blake. I’m Faith Lapidus.

CHRISTOPHER CRUISE: And I’m Christopher Cruise. You can see a video about Fort Jefferson and its restoration on our website, voa.specialenglish.com. Join us again next week for another EXPLORATIONS program on the Voice of America.