Old Fort Pierce Park

Old Fort Pierce Park is a former military fort and public park in Fort Pierce, Florida, situated on a raised bluff overlooking the Indian River estuary. The grounds contain remnants of 19th-century military structures along with much older Native American burial mounds.

The fort was built between 1838 and 1842 as a United States military post during the Second Seminole War to control the inland waterway. Its construction used local palmetto logs, materials that were readily available in the swampy environment.

This location was once home to the Ais Indian people, whose traces remain visible in burial sites and artifacts throughout the grounds. Visitors can explore these remains and learn how the original inhabitants lived here.

The park grounds are open and easily accessible, with maintained pathways leading to various historical sites and viewpoints. Plan your visit during daylight hours and bring sun protection, as the bluff offers little shade from the direct sun.

The property contains a large prehistoric mound built by the Ais people hundreds of years ago, which can still be seen rising from the landscape today. Few mounds of this type have survived in this region of Florida, making it an uncommon archaeological feature for visitors to observe.