All About Orlando

If you’re an Early-American history buff, you don’t want to miss the chance to visit one of Florida’s earliest historical places. Located just twenty miles east of Orlando is Fort Christmas, one of over 200 forts built by the United States Army during the Second Seminole Indian War. (1835-1842) This fully restored replica fort, offers visitors a glimpse of what pioneer life was like throughout the late nineteenth century and into the early twentieth century.

As you walk through Fort Christmas, you’ll see many aspects of this early American life style including how the women manage their homes, how they cooked their meals, and you’ll get a first-hand look at what went into gathering food for meals including hunting and fishing techniques used by these early settlers. There are also a number of different events that take place here as well.

On the first weekend in April, and again during the week preceding Thanksgiving, you can witness soldiers set up their campsites just as their ancestors did. Sit for a while, and listen, as they retell stories about the Second Seminole Indian War, and don’t forget to cover your ears when they fire off their muskets and cannons.

During the first week in December you’re invited to the Cracker Christmas gala. Come join the locals right across the street from the park for a fun time that includes good food and demonstrations that show the art of Early-American broom-making, blacksmithing, woodcarving and much more. Parking is free as is admission. They’ll be more than 150 crafters selling their wares, and an antique tractor and engine display as well.

During the month of March you can pull up a lawn chair or a blanket and listen to some good ole bluegrass music. If you’re not the sitting type, you can listen to the music while you check out the craft fair or grab a scoop of homemade ice cream.

And, before you leave be sure to stop in at the gift shop, and find yourself something special to take home with you. All proceeds go to the benefit of the Fort Christmas Historical Park.

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Filed under: Day Trips