Park Summary for Print - Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Soldiers firing muskets and a cannon on the reenactment battlefield commemorating the Second Seminole War.

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. 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 Fee:

$3.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.

Picnic Pavilion and Recreation Hall Rental Fees:

$50.00 plus tax, 2 hours or less: Rental of Recreation Hall.

$100.00 plus tax, more than 2 hours: Rental of Recreation Hall.

$50.00 plus tax: Pavillion/Shelter.

Activities at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

	Facilities Recreation Hall Rental: Major Dade Recreation Hall accommodates 98 persons and has a fully equiped kitchen and restrooms, and includes the adjacent gazebo. Call for reservations.
	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

ANNUAL DADE BATTLE REENACTMENT
Date: Contact the park office for additional information on date and times.
Description: A full scale battle reenactment is held each year on the first weekend after December 28th. The event marks the battle that took place between Major Francis Dade and his men, and the Seminole Indians. The event includes displays of 1830s crafts and skills, Seminole and soldier camps, and numerous vendors providing food, drink and memorabilia.
Fees: Contact the park office additional information on fees.
Contact: Contact the park office at 352-793-4781 for additional information.
RALLY IN THE PARK
Date: January 30th, 2010. Contact the park office for additional information on times.
Description: On January 30th, 2010, the park will host the 'Tin Can Tourist' rally. Vintage recreational vehicles will be on hand to view and the 'Villages Car Club' will also be showing some of their vintage automobiles.
Fees: Contact the park office additional information on fees.
Contact: Contact the park office at 352-793-4781 for additional information.
ANNUAL WORLD WAR II DAY
Date: First Saturday in August - each year.
Description: World War II Day is held on the first Saturday in August each year. This event recognizes our veterans and thanks them for their service to our country. The program features numerous displays of vintage military vehicles, equipment, and weapons from all of the various countries involved in World War II and some of the more modern wars up through Viet Nam. There are also reenactors from Rosy the Riveter to the Royal Air Force. Also, the Bushnell USO Canteen will be open.
Fees: Please contact the park for more information.
Contact: Call the park at 352-793-4781

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: 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.