Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park |
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Elderly man at Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
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 Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Volusia County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Ormond Beach, Florida |
| Established | 1945 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
The Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park is a special park in Volusia County, Florida. It's home to the Addison Blockhouse, an old ruin made of coquina rock. This building was once part of a large farm called a plantation. It was used as a kitchen and later as a small fort.
To protect this important historical site, it is not usually open to the public. You can reach the park by boat, crossing the Tomoka River.
Contents
Discovering the History of Addison Blockhouse
The Addison Blockhouse was built a long time ago, in the 1800s. It was part of a big farm called Carrickfergus. A man named John Moultrie started this farm. At first, the blockhouse was an outdoor kitchen. It was used by the person who managed the farm, called an overseer.
Later, the farm was owned by John Addison. After him, Duncan McRae took over. From 1816 to 1836, the farm grew crops like cotton and sugar.
The Blockhouse During the Second Seminole War
During the Second Seminole War, the Carrickfergus farm was attacked. This happened on March 10, 1836. Two soldiers sadly lost their lives at the site during this attack.
The blockhouse was made stronger by soldiers from the Carolina Regiment of Volunteers. They used it to defend against the Seminole people. Because of this, the place became known as "Camp M'Rae."
After the war, the farm faced money problems. It was eventually left empty. In the early 1900s, the blockhouse was fixed up. Since then, Tomoka State Park has taken care of it.
What the Addison Blockhouse Looks Like Today
Today, the Addison Blockhouse is a ruin without a roof. It measures about 11.5 feet by 15 feet. In one corner, there is a round tower. This tower is 6 feet across and 11 feet tall. The blockhouse also has a large fireplace. Its walls are six feet thick. There is also an embankment and a moat around it.
Next to the blockhouse, you can see the foundation and walls of a sugar mill. This mill was built in 1832. It was used when Duncan McRae owned the farm.
See Also
- List of Florida State Parks
