Florida, which joined the union as the 27th state in 1845, is nicknamed the sunshine state and known for its balmy climate and natural beauty. Confederate daughter death democrat died district doctor dunnellon duties elected elks engaged enterprise established farm father florida fort myers fraternity gadsden county gainesville george georgia graduated grove high school honored interests jacksonville james john judge knight templar. It is named after american revolutionary war hero andrew pickens. Geological survey publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the u. Gadsden county, florida simple english wikipedia, the free. According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 528. Fort gadsden historic site is currently open only for special events while the u. Fort gadsden creek physical feature stream in franklin county.
Book now at 2 restaurants near fort gadsden state historic site on opentable. Recent research at prospect bluff, now called fort gadsden, is gaining national attention. Learn about broward countys rich history, including seminole indian heritage, major william lauderdale, the dredging of the everglades and the south florida landscape and how it shaped our destination today. The primary coordinates for fort gadsden creek places it within the fl 32465 zip code delivery area in the maps and aerial photos section below, youll find links to. Fort gadsden, florida earthworks, courtesy fort wiki. Fort gadsden national historic landmark, a florida national. The reconstructed fort was an octagonal earthwork fortification with a magazine and 15foot bastions named fort apalachicola.
Prospect bluff historic sites until 2016 known as fort gadsden historic site, and sometimes written as fort gadsden historic memorial is located in franklin county, florida, on the apalachicola river, 6 miles 9. This fort, fort gadsden, remained in use until 1821, when florida became a u. Over the past four years more discoveries have been made on and about this site than in the 60 years prior. The site contains the ruins of two forts the earlier negro fort, built in 1814 by the british and. British agents helped the seminoles construct the fort during the late stages of the war of 1812. The florida division of corporations sunbiz continually seeks to serve its customers effectively. Written in the authors unique and acclaimed style, the book explores episodes from the years when todays gadsden county was the scene of a collision of nations. The forts of gadsden county it is a little known fact that gadsden county has been the location of a suprising number of forts and military posts over the years. The carrabelle history museum will present a history program the fort at prospect bluff with historian and author, dale cox, this saturday, feb. Featuring the history of floridas forts from the colonial period, seminole wars, civil war and twentieth century, floridas lonely outpostsby military historian and florida author alejandro m. Find information about fort gadsden national historic landmark, a florida national historic landmark upload your photos. When jackson destroyed that fort in 1816, americans later built a new fort on the same site called fort gadsden. Built during the war of 1812 by the british, fort gadsden was placed in a strategic spot along the apalachicola river, which was the highway for commerce in those preroad, prerailroad days.
In this volume, writer and historian dale cox explores the. Prospect bluff historic sites in the apalachicola national forest was the site of the negro fort on the apalachicola, a colony of free blacks and runaway slaves destroyed by the u. Fort gadsden talk in carrabelle saturday news the times. Originally a british fort, the negro fort housed over 300 freed and escaped slaves when. He was andrew jacksons aidedecamp in florida in 1818 there were once only two high schools that blacks in gadsden county could attend. The site interprets the role of native and african americans during the early 1800s.
Gadsden county, florida simple english wikipedia, the. The early history of gadsden county, a new book from writer and historian dale cox, will be released on october 19, 2008. British fort, a national historic landmark, like fort mose in st. Nicolls outpost at chattahoochee scott massacre of 1817. Fort gadsden state historic site apalachicola, florida. Florida county marriages, 18231982 includes gadsden county source. From 18181821, there was an american fort gadsden at the same location. Fort gadsden, is a national historic landmark located in the apalachicola national forest.
The research library was officially begun in 1905 and consisted of only a few library resources. Get directions, maps, and traffic for fort gadsden, fl. Historian and author dale cox will tell the story that inspired his book, the fort at prospect bluff and discuss his research that led to the. Featuring the history of florida s forts from the colonial period, seminole wars, civil war and twentieth century, florida s lonely outpostsby military historian and florida author alejandro m. Fort gadsden state historic site topo map in franklin. Fort gadsden state historic site topo map in franklin county. To explore where this significant chapter of american history took place, this gentle walk of less than a mile in the apalachicola national forest leads you through. Carterparramore which is now a middle school and stevens high schools land. Fort gadsden was the last name in a series of names that graced a couple of forts built along the apalachicola river in florida s panhandle, beginning during the war of 1812 and lasting into the civil war. This mental image is probably one of quiet territorial life, but the actual history surrounding fort gadsden is one of bloody battles for power during spanish floridas last. Florida memory fort gadsden state historic site sumatra. Abraham survivor of the massacre at the negro fort january 11, 2016 comments off on abraham survivor of the massacre at the negro fort i would like to remind you what life was like in the florida panhandle in the early 1800s.
Fort gadsden was the last name in a series of names that graced a couple of forts built along the apalachicola river in floridas panhandle, beginning during the war of 1812 and lasting into the civil war. Prospect bluff historic sites is located in franklin county, florida, on the apalachicola river. Apalachicola national forest franklin county, florida. Jan 11, 2016 abraham survivor of the massacre at the negro fort january 11, 2016 comments off on abraham survivor of the massacre at the negro fort i would like to remind you what life was like in the florida panhandle in the early 1800s. The site of both negro fort and the later fort gadsden was prospect bluff, a fine bluff. British fort, or fort gadsden, is located in the apalachicola national forest and is a short distance from state road 65, near. Long before gadsden county was established in 1823, this area of florida was the scene of international tensions as nations collided in monumental efforts to establish footholds on the north american continent. The book can be ordered by following the link and can also be purchased through the west gadsden historical society. Fort gadsden has been part of floridas history since the early 1800s. This mental image is probably one of quiet territorial life, but the actual history surrounding fort gadsden is one of bloody battles for power during spanish florida s last days. Fort gadsden historic site in apalachicola, fl visit florida. Site of the fort on the apalachicola a british flag flies over the site of the fort that was blown up by an. The event marked the deadliest day in the history of gadsden county.
The fort was garrisoned until florida was ceded to the u. The negro fort, story panel 1 of 9 part one, early years. Plan of fort gadsden, constructed in 1818 on the grounds of the negro fort. Find information about fort gadsden national historic landmark. British agents helped the seminoles construct the fort during the late stages of the. Over the next week or so, well explore the history of some of these. We are excited to announce that the division of corporations now welcomes customers in its new facility at the centre of tallahassee, 2415 north monroe street, suite 810, in tallahassee, florida. For over 150 years, the florida historical societys mission has been to collect, preserve and publish materials relating to the rich and diverse history of our state. National register of historic places in broward county. The first fort was built on prospect bluff 15 miles above the apalachicola river by the british during the war of 1812 to train runaway slaves and seminole indians. Right down the road in franklin county on a bank of the apalachicola river is a bluff that once boasted the biggest community of escaped slaves and free black people in the. Listed on the national register of historic places, battery gadsden built 19041906 is one of a series of citadels guarding the charleston harbor along the shores of. Hike near the end of the war of 1812, the british built a fort at a strategic point on the apalachicola riverprospect bluff, a high, dry spot surrounded by swampy pine woods.
Fort gadsden state historic site is covered by the forbes island, fl us topo map quadrant. Navy forces led by colonel duncan clinch fired on what was then called the negro fort. Originally built by the british as a base for recruiting native and african americans during the war of 1812, it was abandon in 1815. The fort at prospect bluff feb 15 2020 carrabelle florida. If you would like to learn more, please consider my new book, the early history of gadsden county. Fort gadsden national historic landmark, a florida. Battery gadsden cultural centers mission is to establish and maintain a museum of the civilian life of sullivans island. The fort at prospect bluff carrabelle florida places to. It was in use only between 1814 and 1815 and destroyed by american forces in 1816. River played an important part in american history. May 05, 2020 book now at 2 restaurants near fort gadsden state historic site on opentable. Proceeds from this book benefit the west gadsden historical society in its work to preserve and interpret the history of gadsden county. It was also the largest battle in history between fugitive slaves and u. Dont attempt to visit fort gadsden if the entrance road is at all under water.
Fort gadsden historic site eastpoint florida history. Dale cox is the author of six books on southern history. The full title of this article is hurricane michael unearths hidden history at fort gadsden the negro fort, where 270 escaped slaves died. Located on the east bank of the apalachicola river approximately 45 minutes north of eastpoint, accessed by highway 65. Augustine, british fort is a precursor site to the underground railroad. Following the hurricane, which uprooted numerous trees in florida last october, scientists found an archaeological treasure. You might find an interpretive guide in the information box, but if not, be sure to walk around the historic display in the picnic area to learn the complex picture of this. West gadsden historical society history museum greensboro.
Fort pickens is a pentagonal historic united states military fort on santa rosa island in the pensacola, florida, area. Fort apalachicola blounts fort or fort gadsden fort barnwell fort barrancas textual records of this fort, 18661940, including registers, reports, and correspondence, are in the national archives and are described in records of united states army, continental commands, 18211920, under the section entitled records of posts, 18201940. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. Societys mission to preserve the history of gadsden county. This old british fort is located on the east bank of the apalachicola river, six miles south of sumatra and west of sh 65, southwest of tallahassee. The fort was completed in 1834 and was one of the few forts in the south that remained in union hands throughout the american civil war. Florida music tours is an educational, travel and media website that spotlights floridas important role in american musical history and promotes the state as a top destination for music enthusiasts. Detailed interpretive information in the form of kiosks and signage. Prospect bluff historic sites fort gadsden florida.
Isbn 0160723620 map 20 on page 170 of this book shows the location of florida forts and battles during the second seminole war 1835 1842. Nov 30, 2008 the event marked the deadliest day in the history of gadsden county. Now is the time to partner with us to ensure that future generations may continue to discover gadsden countys history and heritage. Fort gadsden iilstoric site imagine a historic fort overlooking the peaceful apalachicola river. Fort gadsden 18181821 first established in 1818 as fort apalachicola by lt. Dale cox is the author of more than one dozen books on southern history and culture and has won numerous awards. Negro fort certain negroes and outlaws have taken possession of a fort on the appalachicola river in the territory of florida, wrote general edmund gaines on may 14, 1815. Florida military records genealogy familysearch wiki. Located on floridas northern border with georgia, it was named for james gadsden, who had served with general andrew jackson during the war of 1812 and the first seminole war. In 1818, during the first seminole war, general andrew jackson sent lt. The original fort on prospect bluff prospect bluff fort, nicholls fort or the british post. After several other divisions had taken place, on june 24, 1823, a fifth county generally spoken of as middle florida was established.
Craig waters added a new photo at fort gadsden state historic site. Fort gadsden creek is a physical feature stream in franklin county. When florida became a territory in 1821, andrew jackson was appointed governor and among his first duties, he subdivided the state into two counties east florida and west florida. Jackson was so pleased by gadson efforts that he ordered the fort renamed fort gadsden. The book can be ordered by following the link and can also be purchased. Wghs continues to meet the growing demand for collections and programs both online and at the various events held each year. A native of the quaint florida community of two egg, he lists among his ancestors the. The florida historical societys library of florida history. The fort gadsden historic site is situated within the apalachicola national forest near sumatra, florida. Fort gadsden state historic site in sumatra was the site of two forts. For history or civil war buffs, a visit to fort gadsden historic site, just off the alalachee savannahs scenic byway, is a must. Remains of the earthen walls of the fort are still visible and an interpretive kiosk gives detail of its history and the cemetery where the victims from 1816 are buried.
The site contains the ruins of two forts the earlier negro fort. Free shipping and more for millionaires club members. Near sumatra, florida, its approximately 15 miles from the mouth of the apalachicola river and is a short distance from state road 65. Fort gadsden historic site sumatra 2020 all you need. After the war of 1812 ended, affairs were still not settled between the americans, british, spanish, and. Fort gadsden historic site sumatra 2020 all you need to. American military history volume 1 the united states army and the forging of a nation, 1775 1917, second edition 2nd ed. As of the 2010 united states census, there were 46,389 people living in the county. This site is managed as part of the apalachicola national forest. We lovw this place and visit it every year when in florida.
Fort gadsden, also known as the negro fort, was built by the british during the war of 1812. Gadsden became a planter in florida and served in the territorial legislature. A testament to the cultural diversity of florida during the second spanish period. Carterparramore which is now a middle school and stevens high schools.
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