Paynes Creek Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paynes Creek Historic State Park |
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 Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Hardee County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Bowling Green, Florida |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
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Payne's Creek Massacre--Fort Chokonikla Site
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| Nearest city | Bowling Green, Florida |
| Area | 400 acres (161.9 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000944 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 1978 |
Paynes Creek Historic State Park is a special Florida State Park. You can find it near Bowling Green, Florida. This park is important because it is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is also known as the "Payne's Creek Massacre-Fort Chokonikla Site." This name refers to a sad event and a fort built long ago.
Contents
Park History: A Look Back
After the Second Seminole War
The Second Seminole War was a conflict between the United States and the Seminole people. It ended in 1842. After the war, the U.S. government passed a law called the Armed Occupation Act. This law allowed soldiers who fought in the war to get free land in Florida. They could claim about 160-acre (0.6 km2) of land.
At the same time, a special area was set aside for the Seminoles. This area was called a reservation. The government limited what the Seminoles could trade. This was to stop them from getting weapons. To help them get supplies, trading stores were allowed outside the reservation.
Many of these stores were built by Kennedy and Darling. They were "sutlers," meaning they sold supplies to the army. One store was built in the late 1840s. It was located near a creek called Charlo-popka-hatchee-chee. This means "Little Trout-Eating Creek" in the Seminole language. The store was run by Captain George Payne and Dempsey Whidden.
The Attack at Payne's Creek
Over time, settlers began moving onto the Seminole reservation. This was against the rules of the treaty. Billy Bowlegs, a Seminole leader, tried to keep peace. However, some Seminoles were not happy with the settlers moving onto their land.
On July 17, 1849, a group of five Seminoles attacked the trading post. George Payne and Dempsey Whidden were killed. The attackers then burned down the store and everything inside it.
Building Fort Chokonikla
After the attack, many settlers fled their homes. They asked the army for help to return safely. This led to the building of Fort Chokonikla. The fort was built near the burned trading post. It was finished just three months later, on October 26, 1849.
The name "Chokonikla" comes from the Seminole words "Chocka-nickler." This means "burnt store." After the fort was built, the nearby creek became known as Paynes Creek. It is still called that today.
However, the fort was built near a swamp. This area had many mosquitos. Many soldiers at the fort got sick with malaria and died. The fort's doctor suggested closing it. The army agreed quickly. The fort was left empty on July 18, 1850. It had been open for less than nine months.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Paynes Creek Historic State Park offers many activities. You can go canoeing or kayaking on the water. It's also a great spot for fishing. If you like treasure hunts, you can try geocaching. The park is also perfect for watching birds and butterflies.
The park has several historic sites to explore. There are also three picnic areas where you can eat. The visitor's center has a museum. It shows what pioneer life was like long ago.
Park Hours
Florida state parks are open every day of the year. This includes holidays. You can visit from 8 in the morning until sundown.
