Mary Erickson
Broker Associate
Realty Executives Oceanside
On this week's edition of where the locals go, I'll be talking about Fort King National Historic Landmark.
This property was the original site of Fort King, a major military post during the Second Seminole War. As the first interior fort in Florida, Fort King was a symbol of the United States government’s resolve to conquer an inhospitable land. Soon after the war concluded, Fort King was turned over to the people of the newly established Marion County, becoming the county seat and first county courthouse.
Today, Fort King is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark owned jointly by the City of Ocala and Marion County. The adjacent memorial site is owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution – Ocala Chapter and leased to the City of Ocala and Marion County for 99 years. The site is managed by the City of Ocala. Funding assistance and logistics support is provided by a 501(c)3 organization, Fort King Heritage Foundation.
A Fight For Freedom: An Attack on Fort King
On December 7th and 8th from 10 AM to 4 PM, Fort King is hosting an event for the reenactment of Osceola's attck on Fort King and the demise of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson - an event that lead to the start of the Second Seminole War. Experience time period vendors, traditional skills workshops, food, drinks and games! Admission is $5 per person, veterans and kids under 5 are free. Parking and tram is also free.
Members of Fort King’s Heritage Foundation help bring engaging living history to the community and to visitors from all around the world. Members will also enjoy special benefits which include:
Your membership and contribution help bring living history to the community. Events are hosted throughout the year at the park including our annual re-enactment. Not only has the fort had visitors from every state in the union, they’ve welcomed guests from around the world to visit and learn about our rich Florida history. Ft. King National Historic Landmark hosts Marion County middle school students each year allowing them to witness the reenactment.
The Fort King mission includes:
You can also sign up on their website to volunteer with the Fort King Heritage Foundation a well as helping at out Fort King!
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
