City of Ocala
Home MenuJul 14
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Photos from Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitor Center's post
The raised beds for the Fort King Heritage Teaching Garden are complete, let the filling begin. There will be an in-ground garden plot next to the raised beds where the big dirt pile is. There will also be an outdoor kitchen area for programs. This garden will focus on plants and food traditions in 1800s Florida. This garden will add to the educational capability of the park, and hopefully build a bigger Fort King community through volunteer activities, programing, and harvest events.
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Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitor Center
The Fort King National Historic Landmark Visitor Center will be closed Monday-Wednesday July 15th-17th. The center will be getting a new roof. However, if it takes longer than expected we will post another update. The trails and fort will still remain open from sunrise to sunset throughout the week. Thank you for your understanding, if you have any questions please call 352-368-5535.
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Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitor Center
Be sure to sign up for this weeks Summer Short. This week we learn about Pond Life. Register here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/ocalamarioncounty/Activity_Search/5815
The 3rd Annual A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King was a success! There were vendors, demonstrations, programs, a thrilling reenactment and, this year, we introduced our new cannon! Be a part of next year’s event by becoming a sponsor or vendor. For more information, contact Keifer Calkins, Outdoor/Historical Resource Program Coordinator at (352) 368-5535.
In the winter of 1834, orders were given for the troops at Fort Marion to take up the line of march for Fort King, Seminole Agency. This was to strengthen the force at the fort under the command of Brigadier D. L. Clinch, pending negotiations between the Seminole tribe of Indians and United States Agent, General Thompson.
So begins the story of Fort King.
The Fort King National Historic Landmark is located in Ocala, Florida – Marion County. Fort King, originally built in 1827, was named for Colonel William King who commanded the Fourth Infantry before Brevet Brigadier General Duncan L. Clinch.
In July 1836, Fort King was abandoned and burned by the Seminoles. In 1837, the second Fort King was built. This site served as military headquarters for most of the Second Seminole War.
Fast forward to just under a couple hundred years…
A vast majority of the Fort King site comes under local government ownership (jointly owned by the City of Ocala and Marion County). On February 24, 2004, Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton designated Fort King as a National Historic Landmark.
Today, Fort King is operated by the City of Ocala. The Fort King Heritage Association, Inc. is a Florida not-for profit corporation formed to protect, preserve and develop the history of Fort King. The City works closely with the FKHA and Marion County to further our collective goals towards advancing a better understanding of our heritage through Fort King.
Other events hosted at the park:
Hours
The park is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m. (whichever comes first). The Heritage Center is open Tuesdays – Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Amenities
Park amenities include the Visitor Center complete with Fort King and Florida history, a library, video viewing and artifacts found across the site. There is also an interpretive trail that descends from the top of the hill (where the fort stands) to the Seep Spring and down through a ravine that includes both foreign and native plant and tree species. Pack a lunch and make some memories at one of our picnic facilities. Group visits of ten or more should call Fort King to schedule. Arrangements can be made to see the sight for persons with mobility issues.
Donations
To make a donation, please contact the Fort King Heritage Association at fkha.fortking@gmail.com.