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Fort Christmas
Historical ParkFort Christmas is located in Christmas, Florida just off State Road 50, twenty miles east of Orlando enroute to Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville. |
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On December 25, 1837, a force of 2,000 U.S. Army Soldiers and Alabama Volunteers arrived near this spot to construct a fort which was aptly named, Fort Christmas. This fort was only one of over 200 forts built during the Second Seminole Indian War, 1835 - 1842. The fort houses exhibits and a video presentation on the Seminole Indian Wars.
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Visit the full size replica of Fort Christmas. Seven restored historical homes preserve the 'Cracker' architecture of East Orange County. The houses are interpreted to show pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Key themes are homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping. The Fort Christmas Historical Society and Orange County Parks and Recreation Division.
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The Park has three picnic pavilions two of which seat 100 people and one which seats 50 people. Each pavilion has a large barbeque grill, electrical outlets and water hose. For pavilion rental please call. There is a playground with swings, slide, a fort looking jungle gym, and an area for small children. There is a basketball court, tennis court and a small baseball field.
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Fort & Homes Hours
Tuesday - Sunday -- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mondays & Holidays -- Closed
The gift shop has closed.
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PARK HOURS
Summer -- 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Winter -- 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hours change when the clock changes.
Closed December 24 & 25. |
| Entrance is free. There is a charge for large groups; please call for details. |
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For Additional Information:
Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 North Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420)
Christmas, Florida 32709
Telephone: 407-254-9312
eMail
28.556784, -81.0240504
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Click here for a virtual tour of the
Fort Museum & Park
Click here for a virtual tour of the
Historical Structures
The historic buildings are closed: COVID-19
Fort History
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Park Origins
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Our playground is open and the pavilions are open for up to 50 people.
The historic buildings are still closed.
EVENTS
All our events are cancelled through 2020.
Below events are what we would normally do
Updates will be posted here.
Click on blue bordered pictures for enlargements.
2020
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Cowboy & Cowgirl Reunion
2021 CANCELLED
Last Saturday in January, 10am - 3 pm – FREE — Ride on Over N' Sit a Spell! Christmas Cowboys and cowgirls should bring old stories, jokes, pictures and memorabilia to share; guests will learn pioneer history from long-time residents of east Orange County! Bring a covered dish and dessert to share for an old-fashioned picnic; paper goods and iced tea will be provided.
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Ag Fest
2021 CANCELLED
8:00am - 5:00pm-- BBQ Chicken and Rib Cook Off. Open to all 4-H and FFA Chapters. Meat and wood provided. Cash prizes. Cattle Battle. Grand champion AOB and Brahman influence steers and heifers will be recognized. Cash prizes and showmanship buckles. Peewee ages (4Ð7) and vintage showmanship classes. Chicken Pickin. Youth poultry show competing for best of breed/overall champion and market hen champion.
Click for PRINT & SHARE AgFest flyer with details.
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CLICK for Festival flyer.
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Florida Living History Festival
2021 CANCELLED
See history come to life with authentic and educational camps.
First-hand view of what was happening in Florida from 1400s to early 1900s.
Teachers: Bring history to life for your students. Please call for information and to make reservations: 407-254-9312.
Experience the 1400s-1800s! Interactive, live displays of: Colonial Spanish, English Camp, Pirate Camp, Musket Drills, Timucuan Indians, Seminole War Era, Florida Cow Hunters, Early Skills Demonstrations, Union & Confederate Civil War Soldier, Blacksmithing, 1837 Fort and Soldiers, Cannon Firing, Play in the Gaming area. For a small fee you can learn Native American skills!
Entrance: $8.00 a person.
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The Orlando Wetlands Festival - ?? February ??, 2021 ??.
Free event for all ages! Explore exhibits, guided hikes and tours, presentations, games, live animals, native plant give-away and more!
It will originate here at Fort Christmas Historical Park. -- DETAILS
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Bluegrass Festival
MARCH 2021 ?? (Fourth weekend) — FREE
10am - 5pm — Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic or purchase from food trucks. Join in the fun Hog Calling and Spouse Calling contests by registering at the event!
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F.A.R.M.
September ??, 2021
10:00am - 2:00pm -- FLORIDA AGRICULTURE RESOURCES MATTER — Do YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD COMES FROM? Learn about how our natural resources provide your clothing, housing and more at F.A.R.M. Visit Agriculture Commodity stations, including Beef Cattle, Dairy, Strawberries, Forestry, Poultry, Wildlife, Fish, Horses, Vegetables, Flowers and more. Call the park to register in advance. Food concessions will be available or bring a picnic. $6.00 per person.
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Militia Encampments
2021 ?? — The weekend before Easter and the last weekend in October
Hear about the second Seminole War from soldiers in period dress camped in front of the Fort. Programs at 12:30pm and 2:30pm in the Fort. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations.
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Cracker Christmas - CANCELLED
December, 5 & 6, 2020 10am - 4pm, Entrance is free, free parking across the road from the park. BBQ pork sandwiches, chicken filets, community groups have baked goods, drinks, hotdogs, gator, sweet pickles, etc. Pioneer demonstrations - broom making, blacksmiths, basket weaving, rope making, spinning, quilting, lace making, wood carving, and many more. Large craft fair with over 150 crafters with handmade items, the Christmas Post Office will have a booth so you can get your Christmas cards hand stamped, antique engine and tractor display, and much more.
Photos of a Cracker Christmas.
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Fort Christmas
A Pictoral History
Soft copies are $20.00 each
We will do mail order if you send a check made out to FCHS (Fort Christmas Historical Society) and add $6.50 for shipping for one book. If you want more than 1 copy please call for prices.
Mail to: Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 North Fort Christmas Road
Christmas, Fl 32709
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*Please check the NBBD Calendar of Events for exact dates.
2/2/02.
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