Ep 2. Fortresses of Desolation

Fortresses of Desolation, the second episode of season 9 of Mysteries of the Abandoned, takes viewers on a journey to explore some of the most impressive and mystifying abandoned fortresses in the world. From colossal bunkers to underground hideouts, each fortress has its own unique history and story to tell.

The first fortress explored in the episode is Fort Jefferson, one of the most impressive coastal forts in the United States. Located approximately 70 miles from Key West in Florida, it was initially designed as a lighthouse before being turned into a military fort during the Civil War. The massive brick fortress was initially constructed to protect the Southern coast from invading forces in the Gulf of Mexico. The fort’s construction was never fully completed and was ultimately used as a prison for deserters and held some high-ranking military prisoners. Viewers will learn about the various challenges the fort faced, including disease outbreaks and its eventual abandonment.

Next, the episode turns its attention to the French fortress Fort des Dunes. Situated in the northern part of France, the fort was designed to protect the country from German invasion during WWI. However, due to its poor positioning and technical limitations, the fort proved to be ineffective during the war and was ultimately abandoned. Today, the fort is a popular destination for tourists who come to see its well-preserved trenches and impressive architecture.

The episode then takes viewers to Poland to explore the remains of Hitler’s Megafortress. This colossal fortress was built in the 1940s as part of the Nazi leader’s plan to create an impregnable fortress in the heart of Europe. However, the fortress was never completed, and its remains stand as a testament to the failure of Hitler’s vision. As viewers take a closer look at the fortress, they’ll learn about its unique design and the various challenges the engineers and workers faced during its construction.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to one of the most impressive and mysterious abandoned fortresses in the world – Fort Boyard. Located on a small island off the west coast of France, the fort was initially built in the early 19th century to protect the country from English invasion. Over the years, the fort was repurposed as a prison, an animal quarantine center, and even a disco before ultimately being abandoned in the 1980s. Today, the fort remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and is the site of a popular French game show. Viewers will learn about the various challenges the engineers and workers faced during the fort’s construction, including its unique location and the difficult weather conditions.

Fortresses of Desolation is a fascinating exploration of some of the most impressive abandoned fortresses in the world. As viewers journey from Florida to Poland to France, they’ll discover the unique histories and stories behind each of these incredible structures and learn about the challenges their designers and builders faced. Whether you’re a history buff or simply fascinated by abandoned places, this episode is sure to capture your imagination.