On Christmas day nearly 175 years ago, 2,000 U.S. Army soldiers and Alabama Volunteers arrived in Florida to construct a supply depot that became Fort Christmas. Today, visitors to Fort Christmas Historical Park may tour a replica of the original fort and much more. The park is a recreational facility, picnic meeting place and home to an impressive collection of historical late nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century buildings.
Fort Christmas was one of over 200 forts built during the Second Seminole Indian War that took place from 1835-1842. Park visitors will find information on the Seminole Indian Wars in the form of exhibits and a video presentation inside of the fort structure.
Other historical features of the park include an old schoolhouse, a lunchroom, sugar cane mill, citrus grove, sugar cane field, turpentine exhibit and cow camp evolution exhibit. Clustered together at the far end of the park are the historic homestead exhibits of actual homes restored to represent pioneer life from the 1870's to the 1930's.
The park flyer states Fort Christmas Historical Park is commonly known by local residents as “The Picnic Grounds” because of its blend of recreational and historical opportunities. The park has two picnic pavilions that seat 100 people and one that seats 50 people. In addition to lovely shaded picnic areas, the park offers a children's playground, basketball court, tennis court and baseball field.
The Fort Christmas Historical Park is open daily from 8:00am – 8:00pm (summer) and 8:00am – 6:00pm (winter). The Fort Museum and Pioneer Homes are open Tuesday – Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm (closed Mondays and holidays). The Gift Shop is open Monday – Saturday, 8:00am – 5:00pm (closed on Sunday).
The Park is located at 1300 Fort Christmas Road in Christmas and is free admission. Pets and alcohol are not permitted. For more information visit the Orange County Parks and Recreation website or call the park at (407) 568-4149.
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