The island of Fort Desoto was originally populated by the Tocobaga Native Americans as it served as a great barrier island, plentiful with fish, clams, oysters and other game food. Centuries later, the Union troops used the surrounding islands as a blockade during the Civil War. The Forts began being build in 1898 consisting of material local to the island for a Spanish-American War defense. Consisting of a seashell and concrete formula, these thick barriers housed the main artillery attractions. Several 12-inch coastal defense mortar batteries along with 6-inch 40 caliber rapid-fire Armstrong guns. After being shut down in 1923, the base was re-opened for civilian use in 1938 but wasnt popularized until 1962 when a toll road was created, allowing the mainline to easily access the island.

The island now has several desirable features including camping, two piers, picnic areas, Quartermaster Storehouse Museum, Paw Playground, multi-purpose trails and over 320 bird species.