Construction on historic Fort Clinch started in 1847 by the federal government and continued during the Civil War. occupied by Confederate forces when the war begain in 1861, it was taken by federal troops one year later, following a withdrawal order by General Robert E. Lee. The garrison operation was greatly reduced in the years folloing the Civil War and eventually ceased altogether. In 1898, the fort was reactivated for several months during the Spanish-American War. Today, Fort Clinch remains in a remarkable state of preservation. A museum details its history and each day volunteers join park rangers in bringing the fort to life through first-person interpretation. |
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Historic brick restoration
Jackie is a Fernandina Beach native, growing up in the Old Town neighborhood, Fort Clinch was always in his backyard. Jackie shared the first time he saw Fort Clinch up close. “It’s a funny story, but I snuck onto the property! I was very interested in what was going on here as a young kid. I’ve always been interested in nature and natural science, and Fort clinch is the perfect place for a kid to explore.” As a right of passage for all Nassau County children, Jackie visited the fort as part of a school trip and then often with his father. Jackie began working with his father at a young age. He says his dad was very detail-oriented, timely, and precise with his work, and those traits stayed with him. He learned from his dad about construction, which led him to trade school and eventually a historic repairman at Fort Clinch. He now shares his knowledge, teaching skills with others, working with volunteers to keep the Historic Canopy Road safe and preserve this cultural resource. “When I set my goal and meet it, then I feel Like I’ve accomplished something, and I feel good about it.” He shares. The memories of Fort Clinch run deep for Jackie, from sneaking in as a child and school field trip to working with his dad on some of the fort’s buildings as a contractor. “Who knew that years later I would return here and be part of preserving history,” Jackie says. More dust fills the air as he climbs back up on the scaffolding. The sea breeze quickly whirls it around and takes it away. Jackie McGowan gets back to work but not before he shares, “I take great pride in being a brick mason for the fort.” Then he’s back to work because a fort isn’t going to take care of itself |
The dust floats down, and the sand makes small rain noises as he shuffles along the scaffolding, climbing down, his job never ends, yet he returns every day with the same dedication and drive. Jackie McCowan is the historic brick mason for Fort Clinch his presence inside the fort is as predictable as the cannons on the ramparts.