Fort Fraser (Polk County (between Lakeland and Bartow), Florida)
Polk County (between Lakeland and Bartow) · Florida · Second Seminole War
History & Significance
Established by Lieutenant Colonel William S. Foster and the 4th U.S. Infantry in 1837, Fort Fraser played a critical logistical role in General Thomas Jesup's southern campaign during the Second Seminole War. The fort was constructed at the former site of Seminole Chief Oponey's plantation by Lake Hancock.
Garrisoned to prepare for General Zachary Taylor's march against the Seminoles, the post received supplies that Taylor deposited before continuing toward the Kissimmee River. Taylor's subsequent expedition culminated in the Battle of Okeechobee on December 25, 1837.
At campaign's end, 325 Indians and 30 Blacks were detained at Fort Fraser before removal to Fort Brooke for relocation westward. The fort was abandoned by the Army in May 1838, though it saw later informal use.
Fort Fraser played a short but important role in both the Second and Third Seminole Wars. Today the site is commemorated along the Seminole Wars Heritage Trail and the Fort Fraser Trail, a 7.75-mile path that runs from Bartow to Lakeland along the old route of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.
Key Facts
Map
View larger map ↗ · © OpenStreetMap contributors
🧳 Visiting
Sources
- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/fort-fraser-florida/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Seminole_War
- https://seminolewar.livejournal.com/211345.html
- https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Fort_Fraser_(Florida)
- https://polk-county.net/park/fort-fraiser-trail/
- https://dos.fl.gov/florida-facts/florida-history/seminole-history/the-seminole-wars/