Welcome to an exciting journey into the past! We will take you through fascinating discoveries at Fort King, and the unique challenges the archaeologists face. From unearthing window glass and fine china to uncovering the secrets of a fort burned down, Gulf Archaeology Research Institute’s work at Fort King has been nothing short of remarkable. But the journey doesn’t stop there. Dive in, and let’s explore the past together!

The Second Seminole War, often overshadowed by the American Civil War, was a complex conflict that played out between 1835 and 1842 in the challenging terrain of Florida. This war was not just a battle between the United States and the Seminole people, but also a grueling combat against the harsh realities of the Florida environment. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of this war, focusing on the role of the Florida landscape, the impact of diseases, the Seminoles’

March is Women in American History Month, an opportune time to shed light on the roles of women during the Second Seminole War and their contributions to the preservation of Fort King. Women of the Second Seminole War The Second Seminole War (1835-1842), a significant conflict in Florida’s history, was marked by the resistance of the Seminole people against U.S. forces seeking to remove them from their lands. In the shadows of this tumultuous period, the roles of women—both Seminole

Born into slavery, Pacheco’s life was marked by events that shaped not just his own destiny but also left an indelible imprint on the landscape of the Second Seminole War. His role, particularly in the Dade Massacre, highlights the complex interplay of loyalty, survival, and agency in the lives of enslaved individuals during tumultuous times. Pacheco’s story offers a unique lens through which to explore the intricate and often overlooked narratives of African Americans in the fabric of our nation’s history, making him an essential figure to remember and learn about during Black History Month.

Fort King was a pivotal location at the onset of the Second Seminole War, particularly in the infamous Dade Massacre. The moment Florida became a U.S. territory, the government’s efforts to relocate the Seminoles from their ancestral lands set in motion a series of events marred by escalating tensions and breached agreements. The critical negotiations at Fort King, culminating in the assassination of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson, further fueled the hostilities. This chain of events led to the ambush of

Seminole dress of the 1800s and Seminole Wars was unique, showing a strong influence from the dynamic currents of the European Trade Network of the 1700s, especially from Scottish Highlanders. Elements such as clan plaids and turbans were a testament to the historical connections between the Seminole people and Scottish culture. Additionally, the Seminole people, living in harmony with their environment, were influenced by what they could carry with them. Traditional Seminole Men’s Clothing: Practicality and Protection In the 1800s,

The Second Seminole War had a profound impact on both the Seminole people and the United States government. These events are so important to preserving living history and educating the public that we celebrate an annual festival that culminates with a re-enactment of the events that began the Second Seminole War. A Brief Summary of the Second Seminole War The Second Seminole War, which occurred from 1835 to 1842, was a pivotal conflict between the United States government and the

The capture and death of the Seminole leader Osceola was one that is steeped in betrayal. Born Billy Powell, his ancestry came from both the Muscogee Creek and most likely the Scottish trader, William Powell. He grew to be one of the most influential Seminole leaders during the Second Seminole War, fighting with determination against the Indian Removal Act. His death was from Malaria, not long after being betrayed under the white flag of truce. * Image is of a

It’s always fun to look back into history to try new things. Cooking is one of the best ways to connect to the past, whether through bread or meat. Ask yourself, if you lived in pioneer times and couldn’t just hop in the car and go to McDonald’s, what would you have for supper? While some people wrote down their recipes, the formatting was very different than what we’re used to. When you decide you want to try to bake

On May 10, 1842, President John Tyler announced the termination of military action in the territory of Florida, bringing an official end to the Second Seminole War. This did not end hostilities, and tensions remained, with some three thousand Seminoles having been captured and forced from their homes at gunpoint and removed from Florida. While the United States hoped that the end of the war would convince the roughly 240 remaining Seminoles to abandon their homes and join their kinfolk

What’s in a home? Plenty of history and interest, especially when considering the habitat of the Seminoles throughout the Seminole Wars. Before the 1800s, the Seminole and Creek would live in more traditional log cabin-style homes, with walls, sometimes two stories, and a roof, but as the Indian Removal Act was passed, they began life in the Chickee. What is a Chickee? Native Americans lived in eleven different types of homes, depending on the portion of the continent they lived

Fort King in Ocala was built in 1827 initially and was likely abandoned during the summer due to the influx of summer illnesses. This led to the cessation of war activities during the hotter months, which would resume during the following winter, despite the territorial governor preferring to continue the campaign throughout the year. It was during this time of abandonment, in May of 1836, that the Seminole burned Fort King to the ground. One year later, the US Army

On May 11th, we celebrated history with the dedication of the Blacksmith Shop at Fort King in Ocala. The ceremony marked a long-awaited step forward for the historical site. The Dedication Ceremony Guests were welcomed by re-enactors in period dress and were invited to explore the Fort, especially the new blacksmith shop. It was a memorable experience, where each person was given one of more than 2,000 nails that Keith Hill, with Dinkins Construction, forged at home. Re-enactors successfully fired

This month, we talk about Colonel William King, the man behind the name of Fort King. King started his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army back in 1808. He fought in the War of 1812 and earned a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in 1814 thanks to his bravery in numerous battles. Among them, the legendary Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama, where King and his men played a crucial role. In 1818, he was handpicked by

Spring is coming and with it the desire to get out into the fresh air, shake off the winter doldrums, and see some beautiful nature. What better way than birding? Walking beautiful nature trails and catching a glimpse of those specks of living color can bring joy into the day like nothing else. Fort King National Landmark has a great opportunity for bird watching: the Nature Trails. You can start at the East Trailhead or West Trailhead, and follow the 

Fort King in Ocala has many historical and beautiful features that allow the visitor to explore nature and history. On their property is a garden that holds its own special history. The David Laffey Heritage Garden The heritage garden at Fort King is a tribute to the legacy of David Laffey, who was instrumental in making the Fort King Historical landmark a reality. The various plants growing in the garden serve to illustrate the types of crops that were grown

The history of the Black Seminoles is an often overlooked yet incredibly important part of Florida’s past. Their contributions to the state’s history, culture and economy have been invaluable and deserve to be explored and celebrated. Introduction to the Black Seminoles The Black Seminoles are a group of African Americans, Native Americans and Seminoles of mixed-race descent. Their history in Florida dates back to the 18th century when African slaves began to escape from plantations and join the Seminole Nation.

On May 28, 1830, the United States Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, which began the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans. While it freed more than 25 million acres of fertile, lucrative farmland to mostly white settlers in the Southeast, more than 46,000 Native Americans were forced to abandon their homes and relocate to Oklahoma. Along the way, many would die of starvation, disease, and exposure to extreme weather. What led up to the Indian Removal Act of

Life wasn’t easy for the soldiers serving at Fort King during the Second Seminole War. Florida was a hostile and difficult environment. There were insects and animals they were not familiar with, their wool uniforms were not well-suited to Florida’s tropical climate, and they would be forced to share living spaces with livestock. Food rations were scarce and alcohol use was widespread. A letter excerpt from Samuel Forry, who was a surgeon at the fort on September 1837, said, “Nearly

Osceola was born in a Creek town near Tallahassee to a Creek mother, Polly Copinger and an Englishman named William Powell in 1804. In his youth, he was known as Billy Powell. He adopted the name Osceola, which means “black drink crier” at a tribal ceremony somewhere around 1820. In 1813, the various Creek tribes came to armed conflict, which later expanded to disputes between the white people and the Creeks. This was the reason the Osceola’s tribe moved further