Fort Drum, Florida facts for kids
Fort Drum was once a small town in Okeechobee County, Florida, in the United States. It was located along US 441, between the towns of Yeehaw Junction and Okeechobee. Today, a service plaza on Florida's Turnpike is named after Fort Drum. The Fort Drum Wildlife Management Area, a large natural area of almost 21,000 acres, is also named for its closeness to the old town. This area is known as the starting point of the St. John's River.
Fort Drum is special because it is the only place known where you can find fossil shells that contain beautiful crystals. There is also an old cemetery in the middle of where the town used to be. It covers almost eight acres. Many of the first people who settled in Fort Drum were buried there. Today, Okeechobee County takes care of the cemetery.
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What is Fort Drum Like?
Fort Drum is located at 27°31′35″N 80°48′25″W / 27.5264°N 80.8069°W.
Ancient Waters and Unique Crystals
Millions of years ago, during periods known as the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, the area where Fort Drum now stands was covered by a much larger Lake Okeechobee. Over time, thick layers of limestone formed under this water. These limestone layers contained the fossilized remains of large clams and other shellfish.
While still underwater, something amazing happened. The minerals in these shells slowly turned into sparkling calcite crystals. These special, gem-like crystals were found when the hard limestone was dug up for building materials. One famous quarry, called Ruck's Pit, was a key place for finding these crystals. In 2008, Ruck's Pit was closed and allowed to fill with water.
The History of Fort Drum
A Fort at the Crossroads
After the Second Seminole War ended in 1842, the United States Army built many forts across central Florida. They also created military roads to connect these forts. One of these roads ran roughly east to west, connecting Fort Bassinger to Fort Vinton. Fort Vinton was located north of what is now Vero Beach.
Another important road went from north to south. It connected Fort Kissimmee to Fort Jupiter. This road became known as the 'old wire road'. Fort Drum was built right where these two important military roads crossed.
From Army Post to Settler Town
The U.S. Army used Fort Drum for only a short time before abandoning it. After the American Civil War ended, settlers began to arrive in the Fort Drum area around the 1870s. They believed the land would be excellent for raising cattle. Slowly, the area began to grow as more people moved in.
The Railroad Arrives
Big changes came to Fort Drum with the completion of the Kissimmee Valley Extension in 1914. The Florida East Coast Railroad built a small train station, or depot, in Fort Drum. They also built depots in nearby areas, including one to the north called Osawaw and another to the south named Hilolo. The railroad helped the small community connect with other parts of Florida.
