Friends Organizing Friends of Fort Clinch (Friends) is launching a new annual fundraising initiative designed to bring our community together in support of meaningful park improvements that would not otherwise be funded by the State of Florida. This initiative, Friends Organizing Restoration Together (F.O.R.T.), will focus each year on a high-impact restoration project within or around the historic 19th-century fort. For our inaugural 2026 F.O.R.T. project, we are proud to announce plans to replace the aging 60-foot flagpole with a new 65-foot pole and a larger American flag. The flag will continue to fly prominently at the center of the parade field inside the fort, serving as a powerful and visible symbol for all who visit.
This will be a highly visible and lasting enhancement to the park and one the entire community can take pride in. Upon completion, Friends will host a private celebration for our donors in recognition of their support. Our goal is to complete the project prior to July 4, 2026, so the new pole and flag can be proudly displayed as our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence. |
To help bring this project to life, Friends of Fort Clinch will match funds raised, as needed, to ensure we reach our goal. Join us in making this inaugural 2026 F.O.R.T. project a lasting success. |
Brief flagpole history from Frank
Frank Ofeldt
Fort Clinch Historian
The first Flagpole was installed in April 1861. It was replaced with a new pole in September 1862. That pole was 70 ft and remained in place until the mid-1870s. During the Spanish American war, a new pole was installed and lasted until about 1915. From that point on the fort had no flagpole. Our CCC company 1420 installed a new pole that lasted to the 1950s. Our flagpole has been replaced about every 20 years. The current pole was installed in 2009.
Make your donation easily online using the form above
or if you prefer you can mail a check to:
Friends of Fort Clinch
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Please write "2026 Fort Project" on your check.
Thank you for joining us to make this much-needed restoration and improvement to the park!