Fort Christmas

by Paul Huntington
Go back in time to the early 1800’s when Florida was a territory full of Seminole Indians. Fort Christmas was a small military outpost trying to subdue the tribe from raiding Georgia farms and plantations. It is a rich, interesting and often forgotten part of American history. The Seminoles where the only Indian tribe that were not conquered by the “White Man”. Their ability to hide and live in the wilds of the Florida wildernesses kept them almost completely out of reach.

The town of Christmas, Florida is a small rural community and not much has change for many decades. The fort retains that period feel, and gives one a glimpse into the past, how early Floridians lived and worked. If you ever saw the film, “The Yearling” with Gregory Peck, then you have some idea of the frontier experience of early settlers.

This is a great half day experience and if you are in the area taking an Airboat Tour, it’s just a little further west of those on SR Highway 50. Plan your day with both and include a picnic lunch at the fort.

“A small museum within the walls of the re-created fort displays US Military, Seminole Indian and pioneer artifacts dating from the Seminole War period, including weapons, clothing, tools, household appliances and other items. In addition to the life-size replica of the fort, the park also features a growing number of restored “Florida Cracker” houses and farm buildings furnished with original and reproduction period pieces that show rural Florida life from the 1870s through the 1930s.” wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Christmas

Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420) • Christmas, Florida 32709
407-254-9310 • www.nbbd.com/godo/FortChristmas
Coordinates: 28.5623°N 81.0215°W

Fort & Homes Hours
Tuesday – Sunday — 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mondays & Holidays — Closed

Park Hours
Summer — 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Winter — 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Hours change when the clock changes.
Closed December 24 & 25.
Entrance is free. There is a charge for large groups; please call for details.

Gift Shop Hours
Tuesday thru Friday — 10:00 – 2:00
Saturday, Sunday & Monday — Closed