Fort Caben facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Caben |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Fort Caben – a blockhouse style fortification used by the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War - (artist's depiction).
|
|
| Alternative names | Fort Caven (most likely an historical misspelling). |
| General information | |
| Type | Second Seminole War Fort |
| Architectural style | Log Blockhouse Fortification |
| Location | Bunnell, Florida |
| Address | Section 38, Township 13- South, Range 29 East, on Fish Hawk Point. |
| Coordinates | 29°40′28.03″N 81°15′15.25″W / 29.6744528°N 81.2542361°W |
| Completed | 1834 |
| Demolished | 1839 |
Fort Caben was a small fort built in Florida around 1834. It was used by the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War. This war was a conflict between the United States and the Seminole people. Fort Caben helped protect settlers and plantations from attacks. Today, there are no visible remains of the fort.
In 1958, Fort Caben was listed as an important historical site in Flagler County, Florida. This list was created for Florida Governor Thomas LeRoy Collins and the State Park Board. The report said Fort Caben was built for defense against the Seminole people. It was likely a wooden building.
History of Fort Caben
Fort Caben was built by the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War. It was located on the banks of Crescent Lake, near St. Johns Park in Flagler County, Florida. The main purpose of the fort was to stop Seminole raiding parties. These groups traveled on boats and canoes along the St. Johns River. They sometimes attacked and looted plantations south of St. Augustine.
The fort was probably a blockhouse style building. A blockhouse is a strong, small fort, often made of logs. This design was good for its location near a waterway. The area also had many trees, which provided plenty of building materials.
How Fort Caben Was Used
Fort Caben was likely used by U.S. Army troops on a part-time basis. This means soldiers were not always there. They used the fort for training, scouting, and defense during the Second Seminole War. Many smaller, remote forts like Caben were not staffed full-time. Troops often moved to areas where there was more Seminole activity. There are no records of any attacks or battles happening at Fort Caben.
What Happened to Fort Caben?
Fort Caben was probably left empty and burned down around 1839. After this time, there is no mention of the fort in historical documents. Today, the exact spot where Fort Caben stood is hard to find. It is in a very wooded and hidden area. Finding it would likely require special technology called Lidar. Lidar uses lasers to create detailed maps of the ground. An experienced archaeologist would also be needed to locate the site.
