Fort King - Seminole War History on Display in Ocala, Florida

The history of Florida’s Second Seminole War is on display at the newly established Fort King National Historic Monument in Ocala, Florida. Fort King played an important role in the early history of Florida, having been established in 1827 by the United States Army as a base of operations against the Seminole Indians.

The land on which Fort King was built was originally inhabited by the Timucuan and Seminole people, who had been living in the area for thousands of years. The fort was built on a small hill overlooking a nearby creek, which provided a reliable source of fresh water from a sump spring.

During the Second Seminole War, which lasted from 1835 to 1842, Fort King was a strategic location for the United States Army. The fort was used as a base for military operations against the Seminole Indians, who were fighting to defend their lands from American settlers. The fort was attacked and burned by the Seminoles in 1836, and it was later rebuilt in 1837.

Today, Fort King is a National Historic Landmark and a popular destination for visitors interested in learning about the history of Florida and the Seminole Wars. The site includes a reconstructed replica of the fort, as well as hiking trails and a visitor center with exhibits on the fort’s history and the Second Seminole War.

Every December, the park hosts a reenactment of the battle of Fort King, which was one of the events that sparked the Second Seminole War.

The 40-acre landmark is operated by the City of Ocala Parks & Recreation and is located at 3925 E. Fort King Street in Ocala.