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 in the 1800s.
The US Army believed that having forts and garrisons be self-sufficient would help them avoid having to rely on army supplies. On 11th September 1818, a general order was issued that stated that “every permanent garrison should cultivate a garden every year with the help of the troops under its command”. It’s not certain whether Fort King actually had a garden run by its garrison. However, we do know that there were numerous food and agricultural traditions in Florida during the 1800s.
The Seminole had a remarkable farming history with lush gardens tucked away in the hammocks and their respective villages. When the Spanish arrived in Florida, they brought with them cattle, sheep, pigs, and their own culinary customs. African farming techniques and cuisine were brought to the area by runaway slaves and the Black Seminole. Additionally, the European soldiers and settlers from the north contributed their own seeds and recipes to the area. All of these customs had a substantial effect on the agriculture and food production of the state. People from different cultures adapted their traditional gardens and cuisines to the wild landscape so they could make it through. After 15 years of attempting to cultivate the land, the Army eventually gave up and concluded that it was not a trustworthy source of supplies. The vegetables in the Fort King Heritage Garden exemplify what would have been cultivated in Florida during the time of Fort King.
The Fort King Trail
If you’re looking for a great way to spend the day in nature, the Fort King Hiking Trail is a perfect choice. Beginning at the east trailhead of the Fort King Visitor Center, this .7-mile trek is a must-see in Florida. Whether you choose to hike from the east trailhead all the way to the west Fort King trailhead or explore the Daughters of the American Revolution Soldier’s Cemetery Site, you will definitely have an adventure.
As you make your way along the path, you can take in all of nature’s wonders including stunning wildflowers and unique plants. You may even get to spot some wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and other animals.
The Fort King Hiking Trail is a great way to escape from your daily routine and connect with nature. With its beautiful surroundings and picturesque views, it definitely makes for a wonderful outdoor experience. So why not take a break from your busy life and explore all that this trail has to offer?
The Seep Spring
Nestled within the lush forests of Ocala is the hidden gem of Fort King, an archaeological site that is home to the Seep Spring. This serene and tranquil spring is located at the northeast corner of the Fort, within the outer walls of the historic fortification.
The spring is surrounded by a wall of greenery and is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. The Seep Spring is a well-known source of fresh water, and legend has it that it was used by Seminole Indians to water their horses during their battles against the United States Army. This Seep Spring was also the original source of water for Fort King.
The spring also has a long cultural history. It is said that it was a sacred site for the Seminole people and that it was used for ceremonies and rituals. The area around the spring is now a protected archaeological site and is full of historical artifacts. Visitors to the spring can enjoy the tranquil ambiance and explore the ruins of the fort to learn more about the area’s history.
