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Fort Foster State Historic Site

Fort Foster State Historic Site

reproduction of a fort originally built on the same grounds in 1836

Fort Foster State Historic Site Closure

Effective Feb. 23, 2021: Fort Foster State Historic Site is closed until further notice. Tours are not currently being offered and there is no visitor access to the fort.

Hours

Fort Foster is not open for visitation on a daily basis. The fort is opened for guided tours and for special events.

Fees

See all fees

Location

15402 U.S. 301 North
Thonotosassa FL 33592

Get directions

Contact Info

813-688-9500

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • History
  • Experiences & Amenities

Welcome to Fort Foster State Historic Site

Fort Foster State Historic Site is a reproduction of a fort originally built on the same grounds in December 1836 by Col. William S. Foster and his 430 men.

Fort Foster State Historic Site is part of Hillsborough River State Park, located on the east side of U.S. 301 from the park.

During the Second Seminole War, the purpose of Fort Foster was to defend the bridge crossing at the Hillsborough River and act as a resupply point for the soldiers in the field. The fort was garrisoned on and off from December 1836 through April 1838.

Although the fort was attacked on several occasions, the worst attack occurred in February 1836, when a small group of Seminoles attempted to set fire to the bridge. The attempt was thwarted by aggressive musket and cannon fire from the 50 or so U.S. Navy sailors and the 20 artillery men within the fort. 

Today, park staff and re-enactors provide living-history demonstrations of life at Fort Foster. Each year, the site offers two living history events: Fort Foster Rendezvous in January and the Candlelight Experience at Fort Foster in December.

The fort was designed for war and not built to modern safety standards. Rough terrain, uneven floors and blockhouse stairs can be hazardous. Please remain aware of your surroundings as you tour. In particular, pay close attention to small children.

Help preserve the fort by not climbing, sitting, touching, or placing any items on the cannons. The fort and its artifacts may look durable, but they are subject to wear and tear. The Florida Park Service cares for special places so that all may experience our Florida heritage.

Interpretive Center

Accessible from parking lot 1, at Hillsborough River State Park, this center displays over 100 artifacts that were found at the Fort Foster Historic Site. Exhibits offer an understanding of both sides of the conflict between the Seminole nation and the U.S. military. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Plan Your Visit

Kyle Easley
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Manager's Message

The fort was established to defend the bridge crossing the Hillsborough River and serve as a resupply point for the soldiers in the field. Today a replica wood picket style fort has been constructed on the original fort site. 
Jr. Ranger
Program

Junior Ranger Program

The Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program provides opportunities for young people to learn, serve and share Florida's natural and cultural resources. Participating Florida State Parks are found throughout the state.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Tours
Tours

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit

Fort Foster State Historic Site Photo Gallery

Fort Foster
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort Foster State Historic Site
A view of reenactors lined up along the wall of the fort.
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History of Fort Foster

Although the current structure is a recreation of the original fort, the history still lives on at Fort Foster State Historic Site.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
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Trails at Florida State Parks

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

People Make the Parks

Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society

Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Native American Heritage Trail

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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