For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5533.
‘A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King’ Dec. 2-3
Admission to this event is $5 per person. Veterans, active military and children ages five and under are free.
OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2017) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host ‘A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King’ Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark located at 3925 E. Ft. King St.
This two-day event will include a re-enactment of Chief Osceola’s attack on Fort King and the demise of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson, an event that led to the start of the Second Seminole War. The event will also include a Seminole village and soldier’s encampment to show what life was like back in the 1830s. Those in attendance will experience time-period crafts, traditional skills workshops, food, drinks and games, such as tomahawk throwing and horseshoes.
“This year’s event is special because, in addition to the re-enactment and history festival, we will also have the grand opening of the newly reconstructed Fort King,” said Keifer Calkins, Outdoor/Historic Resource Program Coordinator. “This re-enactment, as well as the entire mission of the park, is to explain and interpret the very complex history of the Seminole Wars in Florida. We encourage residents and visitors to come and learn about our local and state history and share the important history of Fort King and the birthplace of Ocala.”
Admission to this event is $5 per person. Veterans, active military and children ages five and under are free.
Guests are encouraged to park at the Duke Energy power line field located between NE 43rd Avenue and NE 44th Avenue on the north side of E Fort King Street, approximately a quarter-mile east of the Fort. A shuttle will be running continuously throughout the event for pick-ups and drop-offs. The only parking that will be available at the Fort will be for handicapped or disabled guests only.
