Park Summary for Print - Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Welcome to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

The battle that started the Second Seminole War is commemorated in January each year under the oaks of Dade Battlefield. On December 28, 1835, Seminole Indian warriors ambushed 108 soldiers at this site-only three soldiers survived. The park protects not only a historic battlefield, but also the natural communities as they existed when the soldiers and Seminoles battled over 180 years ago. Strolling a half-mile nature trail through pine flatwoods, visitors might see gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks, and indigo snakes. The park has a playground, picnic area with covered shelters, and a recreation hall. The visitor center has information and displays about the battle and visitors can watch a twelve-minute video history, This Land, These Men. The center is open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. Located off I-75, exit 314, west of U.S. 301.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, please call 352-793-4781.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is located off I-75 and S.R. 48, west of Highway 301.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $2.00 for up to 8 people per car.

Reservations
Recreation Hall: 2 hrs. or less - $40.00 plus tax
Over 2 hrs. - $75.00 plus tax
Gardiner Pavilion - $35.00 plus tax
Pavillion/Shelter - $30.00 plus tax
BBQ Grill - $5.00 plus tax

Activities at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

	Nature Trails Take a leisurely 20 minute walk along the Pine Flatwoods Trail. This trail acquaints visitors with the native pine woods that is home to gopher tortoise, a variety of snakes, woodpeckers and other animals. Review the events of the battle by walking the short battlefield trail. This trail actually follows a stretch of the historic Fort King Military Road. It has interpretive labels and monuments to Dade and his command. There is also a 10K Florida Volkssport Association trail that thoroughly covers the park sites and which goes outside into the neighboring community.
	Picnicking The park offers picnicking opportunities in a quiet and tranquil setting. There are also 6 picnic shelters available on a first come first serve basis or for rental. They are excellent for parties and have electricity and lights. The Gardiner Pavilion is one of the most popular shelters for children's parties. It is adjacent to the playground and restrooms.
	Visitor Center Park visitors can get acquainted with the battle history by viewing a twelve minute video, " This Land, These Men." Mannequins provide a glimpse of the clothing worn by the soldier and Seminole and the muskets each used. There are other audio exhibits and displays of artifacts related to the battle. Visitors can purchase a variety of books related to Dade's battle with the Seminoles, as well as books about the Seminole Wars, Seminole Culture and more. Tee-shirts and postcards are also available.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Question: Where are the men buried?
Answer: For seven years the soldiers were buried on the battle site. After the 2nd Seminole War, their remains were moved to the National Cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida. It is unknown where the Seminole dead were buried.

Question: How much does it cost to rent the lodge facility?
Answer: The facility is used for meetings, parties and reunions. It has a full kitchen, restrooms and seats 98 people. It costs $80.25 to rent.

Question: What regular special events do you have at the park?
Answer: The annual reenactment takes place on a weekend in late December or early January. World War II Day takes place the first Saturday of August.

Question: Who fought in the battle?
Answer: U.S. Soldiers were ambushed by Seminole Warriors.

Question: Who won the fight?
Answer: 105 U.S. soldiers were killed. 3 Seminoles were killed. This was a victory for the Seminoles.

Question: Why were they fighting?
Answer: The primary reason was that the government was getting ready to relocate the Seminoles to Oklahoma.

Question: How did the Seminoles get guns?
Answer: By trading with white settlers and with the Spanish.

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park History

In 1821 the United States acquired Florida from Spain and it became a US territory. By the 1830's significant conflict had happened between the new white settlers and the Seminole indians. The Seminoles were told that they had to move to a new reservation in Oklahoma. When told to move, 3/4 of the Seminoles moved without a fight. The other 1/4 signed a treaty saying they would move if given one year to prepare. They had no intentions on leaving. They were delaying for one year when they would have to fight. In December 1835 108 US troops and officers were marching from Ft Brook in Tampa to reenforce Fort King in Ocala for the event of the Seminoles surrendering. 100 miles from Tampa they were attacked by 180 Seminole warriors. All but 3 of the soldiers were dead and only three Seminoles were killed. This lead to the declaration of war between the United States and the Seminole Nation. In January 1905 Congressman Stephen Sparkman asked that copies of the files related to "Dade's Massacre" be sent to him. He proposed a bill to save the site but it did not pass. Senator Duncan Fletcher later continued to gather documents with the encouragement of the Superintendent of West Point, General Douglas MacArthur. In 1921 the state legislature appropriated funds for the preservation of the battle site as a memorial. Through the succeeding years the park has been carefully developed to rescue the site from obscurity and exploitation. Today visitors can visit the site where there is a museum, a replica of the breastworks on it's original site and a section of the original Ft King road.

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.