Fort Christmas, Florida
Fort Christmas by Thomas Routzong
FORT CHRISTMAS
Christmas, Florida
Explore the past and imagine the lives of Florida's settlers
by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Just a short drive from PORT CANAVERAL, Fort Christmas Historical Park is located just off Route 50 between Brevard County's Space Coast and Orlando, FL. It is a great place to explore the past and imagine the lives of Florida's settlers as you enjoy a relaxing stroll back in time.
The twenty-five acre park is has no admission charge and features a replica of the original fort, seven restored historical homes circa 1870-1930, a sugar cane mill, historical farm equipment, and the Union School. Park guides appear in costume and share stories and facts about the lives of Florida's settlers.
The original fort was begun on December 25, 1837 which is why it was named Fort Christmas. A force of army soldiers and Alabama volunteers erected the fort during the Seminole Indian War. The fort also houses an exhibit on the Seminole Indian War.
The restored "cracker" and pioneer homes with their costumed guides offer excellent photo opportunities.
The park also includes several pavilions, rest rooms, a playground, a baseball diamond and volleyball and tennis courts.
The park is open Summer: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Winter: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fort and Home Tours are available Tuesdays through Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Special Events are held throughout the year:
Cracker Christmas - The First weekend in December - 10am - 4pm Broom making, blacksmiths, basket weaving, rope making, spinning, quilting, lace making, wood carving, Santa Claus, over 150 crafters with handmade items, the Christmas Post Office booth so you can get your Christmas cards hand stamped, antique engine and tractor display, BBQ pork sandwiches, chicken filets, community groups have baked goods, drinks, hot dogs, gator, sweet pickles, etc.
Bluegrass and Craft Festival - The Third weekend in March - 10am - 4pm Bring a lawn chair to sit in and enjoy the music.
Militia Encampments - The weekend before Easter and the weekend before Thanksgiving
Soldiers set up camp in front of the Fort. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
Cowboy Reunion - The last Saturday in January - 10am - 2 pm Cowboys tell stories. Bring a covered dish to share.
Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420)
Christmas, Florida 32709
Telephone: 407-568-4149
For more information, visit
http://www.ocfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=15#.VPYNvXzF_E0
For LGBT travelers, Parliament House in nearby Orlando is a favorite gay club / resort for both locals and travelers with multiple bars, swimming pools, a restaurant and hotel rooms. 410 N. Orange Blossom TrailOrlando, FL. Phone 407-425-7571
http://www.parliamenthouse.com/
Watch our video of Fort Christmas below!
Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2010 Sunny Harbor Publishing. PO Box 560318 Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321044607552. Email: [email protected]
Keywords: Fort Christmas, Christmas, Florida, FL, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, Gay Travelers Magazine,
Christmas, Florida
Explore the past and imagine the lives of Florida's settlers
by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
Just a short drive from PORT CANAVERAL, Fort Christmas Historical Park is located just off Route 50 between Brevard County's Space Coast and Orlando, FL. It is a great place to explore the past and imagine the lives of Florida's settlers as you enjoy a relaxing stroll back in time.
The twenty-five acre park is has no admission charge and features a replica of the original fort, seven restored historical homes circa 1870-1930, a sugar cane mill, historical farm equipment, and the Union School. Park guides appear in costume and share stories and facts about the lives of Florida's settlers.
The original fort was begun on December 25, 1837 which is why it was named Fort Christmas. A force of army soldiers and Alabama volunteers erected the fort during the Seminole Indian War. The fort also houses an exhibit on the Seminole Indian War.
The restored "cracker" and pioneer homes with their costumed guides offer excellent photo opportunities.
The park also includes several pavilions, rest rooms, a playground, a baseball diamond and volleyball and tennis courts.
The park is open Summer: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Winter: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fort and Home Tours are available Tuesdays through Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Special Events are held throughout the year:
Cracker Christmas - The First weekend in December - 10am - 4pm Broom making, blacksmiths, basket weaving, rope making, spinning, quilting, lace making, wood carving, Santa Claus, over 150 crafters with handmade items, the Christmas Post Office booth so you can get your Christmas cards hand stamped, antique engine and tractor display, BBQ pork sandwiches, chicken filets, community groups have baked goods, drinks, hot dogs, gator, sweet pickles, etc.
Bluegrass and Craft Festival - The Third weekend in March - 10am - 4pm Bring a lawn chair to sit in and enjoy the music.
Militia Encampments - The weekend before Easter and the weekend before Thanksgiving
Soldiers set up camp in front of the Fort. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
Cowboy Reunion - The last Saturday in January - 10am - 2 pm Cowboys tell stories. Bring a covered dish to share.
Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420)
Christmas, Florida 32709
Telephone: 407-568-4149
For more information, visit
http://www.ocfl.net/cultureparks/parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=15#.VPYNvXzF_E0
For LGBT travelers, Parliament House in nearby Orlando is a favorite gay club / resort for both locals and travelers with multiple bars, swimming pools, a restaurant and hotel rooms. 410 N. Orange Blossom TrailOrlando, FL. Phone 407-425-7571
http://www.parliamenthouse.com/
Watch our video of Fort Christmas below!
Article by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2010 Sunny Harbor Publishing. PO Box 560318 Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321044607552. Email: [email protected]
Keywords: Fort Christmas, Christmas, Florida, FL, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong, Gay Travelers Magazine,