Civil War-Era Cemetery Discovered on Submerged Florida Island

An island submerged off the coast of Florida has been found to contain a Civil War-era cemetery and quarantine hospital. The island was discovered by maritime archaeologist Joshua Marano in 2016, and a recent survey revealed intact grave markers, including one for John Greer, a laborer at Fort Jefferson who died in 1861. The archaeologists plan to leave the site undisturbed and undisclosed to protect it under federal law. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving underwater cultural heritage sites, which are at risk from climate change and storms.