On December 25, 1837, a force of 2,000 U.S. Army soldiers and Alabama volunteers arrived near this spot and constructed the eponymous fort.

Fort Christmas was only one of over 200 forts planned for construction during the Second Seminole Indian War, 1835-1842.

Display cases and a video in the reconstructed fort provide a history of the Seminole culture, Seminole war and the early days of white settlement.

Information provided by Florida Department of State.

Edited by Cynthia Catellier, University of West Florida Department of Public History

Photo Courtesy goflorida.about.com