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List of forts in Florida facts for kids

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Florida is a state in the southeastern United States. It has been home to many historical forts. Experts say there have been over 300 "camps, batteries, forts, and redoubts" in Florida since Europeans first arrived. During the Seminole Wars, more than 80 "blockhouses, forts, camps, and stockades" were used. Most forts were built from earth or wood, or both. Some even used brick or stone. Many were only meant to be used for a short time. Because of this, most have now disappeared. Sometimes, several forts with different names were built in or near the same spot over time.

What are Forts?

Forts are strong buildings or places built to protect people or land. They are often used by soldiers. They can be made of different materials like wood, earth, stone, or brick. Forts help defend against attacks. They also serve as places for soldiers to live and store supplies.

Why Were Forts Built in Florida?

Forts in Florida were built for many reasons.

  • Protection: They protected early European settlers from attacks.
  • Control: They helped different countries control land. Spain, France, and Great Britain all built forts in Florida.
  • Wars: Many forts were built during conflicts. The Seminole Wars (1816-1858) saw many forts built across Florida. These wars were fought between the United States Army and the Seminole people.
  • Trade: Some forts protected important trade routes or ports.

Famous Forts in Florida

Florida is home to many important historical forts. Here are some of the most well-known:

Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo de San Marcos is a large stone fort in St. Augustine. It was built by the Spanish. Construction started in 1672 and finished in 1695. It is the oldest masonry (stone) fort in the United States. It was built to protect St. Augustine from attacks. The fort has never been captured in battle. Today, it is a U.S. National Monument. It was also known as Fort Marion and Fort St. Mark.

Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline was a French fort. It was built in 1564 near present-day Jacksonville. It was one of the first European settlements in Florida. The Spanish later attacked and destroyed it. This showed the struggle for control of Florida.

Fort Mose

Fort Mose was the first free African settlement in North America. It was established in 1738 by the Spanish. It offered freedom to enslaved people who reached it. It was a small fort that protected the community. It played a key role in the history of freedom in America.

Fort King

Fort King was an important fort during the Second Seminole War. It was built in 1827 near present-day Ocala. It served as a military outpost and a meeting place. The fort was a key site in the events leading up to the Second Seminole War.

Fort Armstrong

Fort Armstrong was built near Bushnell. It was created after a major event in the Second Seminole War. On December 28, 1835, about 180 Seminole warriors attacked Major Francis L. Dade's soldiers. This event is known as Dade's Massacre. Almost all of Dade's 110 soldiers were killed. This attack started the Second Seminole War. A group of Tennessee soldiers built Fort Armstrong at the site of the battle.

Fort Foster

Fort Foster was built during the Second Seminole War. It was first called Fort Alabama. It was located in what is now Hillsborough County. After Fort Alabama was destroyed, Fort Foster was built to replace it. It was named after Lieutenant Colonel William S. Foster. Today, a reproduction of the fort stands at Hillsborough River State Park. It is called Fort Foster State Historic Site.

Fort Christmas

Fort Christmas was one of several small forts built along the St. Johns River during the Seminole Wars. These forts were not meant to last long. They helped house soldiers and protect supplies during the war. Other similar forts included Fort Lane, Fort Mellon, and Fort Taylor (Deer Park).

Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor is a large fort in Key West. It was built between 1845 and 1866. It was named after future President Zachary Taylor. He was a Colonel during the Second Seminole War. This fort is different from the smaller Fort Taylor near Deer Park. Fort Zachary Taylor played a role in the American Civil War and the Spanish–American War.

Fort Barrancas

Fort Barrancas is a historic fort in Pensacola. It was built by the Spanish in the late 1700s. It protected Pensacola Bay. The fort has been controlled by different countries over time. It is also known as Fort San Carlos de Barrancas.

Fort Clinch

Fort Clinch is a large brick fort on Amelia Island. It was built starting in 1847. It was part of a system of forts to protect the U.S. coastline. It was used during the Civil War. Today, it is a state park.

Fort Jefferson

Fort Jefferson is a massive, unfinished fort. It is located on an island in the Dry Tortugas. It is about 70 miles west of Key West. Construction began in 1846. It was meant to protect shipping lanes in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas.

Fort De Soto

Fort De Soto is a historic fort located on five islands in Pinellas County. It was built during the Spanish–American War in the late 1800s. It was designed to protect Tampa Bay. Today, it is a popular park.

Other Important Forts

Many other forts played a role in Florida's history:

Images for kids

  • Fort Taylor (Deer Park, Florida) P001

    Fort Taylor in Deer Park

See also

  • List of forts in the United States
  • Florida Seminole Wars Heritage Trail.
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