Fort Dallas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Dallas |
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|---|---|
| Miami, Florida, United States | |
Barracks constructed in 1844, moved from Fort Dallas in 1924
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| Type | Barracks |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1836 |
| In use | 1865 |
| Materials | Stone |
Fort Dallas was a military base in Florida. It was built during the Seminole Wars. The fort was located on the banks of the Miami River. Today, this area is part of Downtown Miami, Florida, United States.
Contents
History of Fort Dallas
Why Fort Dallas Was Built
Fort Dallas was set up in 1836. It was built on land that used to be a large farm. The United States military needed a base in southern Florida. This was during the Seminole Wars.
The U.S. Navy patrolled Biscayne Bay. They wanted to stop trade between the Seminoles and people from Cuba or the West Indies. Fort Dallas helped the Navy. Its main goal was to "harass the enemy," meaning to bother and fight against the Seminoles.
The fort was named after Commodore Alexander James Dallas. He was a U.S. Navy officer. He was in charge of naval forces in the West Indies.
Life at the Fort
Lieutenant F. M. Powell was the first commander. He led the fort for about two years. Another important leader was U.S. Army Colonel William S. Harney. He led an attack against a Seminole chief named Chakaika in 1840.
Fort Dallas was used by troops from 1836 to 1857. Many buildings were constructed there. Only two of these buildings remain today. There were also ten barracks, living quarters for enslaved people, stables, and a blacksmith shop.
During the Seminole Wars, Fort Dallas made settlers feel safer. Soldiers from the fort also helped the area grow. They built a hospital and a road from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. They also set up a trading post.
Fort Dallas After the Wars
Fort Dallas stayed with the Union during the American Civil War. It was left empty after the war ended. During the war, people seeking safety lived there. After the war, a group of people causing trouble occupied the fort.
Judah P. Benjamin was a leader for the Confederacy. He escaped to Cuba through this area. He said he was treated roughly by the people at the fort. But he also said it was a beautiful place. He liked its white houses and large parade ground.
When the soldiers left, the fort became a village. William H. English owned the land. He called the new village Miami. Some buildings were torn down or moved. In 1872, most of the remaining buildings burned down by accident.
Julia Tuttle and Miami's Growth
In 1891, Julia Tuttle moved her family to the area. She lived in a large home on the Miami River. This home had been part of Fort Dallas. Tuttle fixed up the house. It became a beautiful place with great views of the river and Biscayne Bay.
The barracks building had a long history. It was used as living quarters for enslaved people on the plantation. Then it became army barracks during the Seminole Wars. Finally, it was Julia Tuttle's home in 1891.
This building was the only part of the fort left on its original site. But in 1924, an apartment building was planned for the spot. So, the stone building was carefully taken apart. It was moved to Lummus Park. This park is on the north side of the Miami River.
In 1895, Julia Tuttle and William Brickell worked to bring a railroad to the area. Their efforts were successful. Henry M. Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railway south. Fort Dallas became part of the new city of Miami, Florida.
Gallery
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Original Fort Dallas Park entrance at Downtown, c. 1905
