2019 Fort Christmas Spring Militia Encampment
Join us for the Fort Christmas Spring Militia Encampment on April 6-7, 2019 at the Fort Christmas Historical Park in Christmas, Florida. At the Fort Christmas Spring Militia Encampment, you will learn about the second Seminole Indian War from soldiers in period dress, camped in front of the fort; this free event includes musket firing demonstrations and programs in the fort at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both days.
Admission Free – Parking Free – Public Welcome
Park Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
As the Second Seminole War escalated across Florida in 1835, U.S. Army orders were issued to build a string of over 200 forts to garrison men and supplies in an effort to supress the Seminole Indians. As the army arrived in central Florida on Christmas Day, 1837, the stockade was aptly christened Fort Christmas. Fort Christmas is a typical Seminole Indian War fort, made of tall pine pickets. The fort is 80 linear square feet, with two block houses that are 20 square feet each, with a storehouse and a powder magazine within the walls of the fort. The replica of Fort Christmas serves as a museum with exhibits focusing on the Second Seminole War and pioneer life in Florida. Today, the replica fort and museum is the centerpiece of Fort Christmas Historical Park.
In addition to the park’s full scale replica of the 19th century fort, seven restored cracker era buildings are open for tours. These pioneer homes and a school building are furnished with period furniture, appliances, kitchen items and hand tools. A few of these Florida cracker homes included the Beehead Ranch house, the Taylor Creek Yates home, and the 1916 Union Schoolhouse. This family friendly event is extremely popular, one of Central Florida’s most interesting traditional gatherings. The Cracker houses on display belonged to families with familiar names from Florida’s pioneer days, such as Simmons, Wheeler, Bass, and Yates.
Location
Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 North Fort Christmas Road
Christmas, FL 32709
407-254-9312
For More Information: Call 407-254-9312 or Email Trudy.Trask@ocfl.net
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Fort Christmas Cracker Christmas on the weekend before Easter at the Fort Christmas Historical Park in Christmas, Florida.
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