Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is an 80-acre preserve in Sumter County featuring pine flatwoods and oak hammocks that frame the historic battleground. The park includes a visitor center with exhibits and educational displays about the 1835 conflict and those involved in it.

This location was the site of a major clash on December 28, 1835, when Seminole warriors encountered a military detachment led by a commanding officer. The engagement sparked a broader conflict that would reshape settlement and military operations across the region for years to come.

The site marks an important moment of conflict between Seminole people and American forces that shaped the region's history. Exhibits and programs here help visitors understand the perspectives and experiences of both communities during this period.

The park sits between two major highways and welcomes visitors during daylight hours, with the information center available during standard business hours. Plan to spend time exploring both the exhibits indoors and the trails and grounds outside.

Every December, volunteer groups stage recreations of the historical clash using period-accurate uniforms and equipment. These events bring the past to life and give visitors a chance to witness how the conflict actually unfolded.

Location: Sumter County

Inception: 1972

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/park/Dade-Battlefield

GPS coordinates: 28.65222,-82.12667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40