Ocala in Marion County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Second Fort
Fort King National Historic Landmark
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, July 4, 2022
1. The Second Fort Marker
The Second Fort
Amidst growing hostilities with the Seminole, the U.S. Army reconstructed Fort King in 1837 and continued its use until the termination of the war. Unlike the first fort, the second fort appears to have been constructed in accordance with Glassell’s plans. This presumption is supported by an illustration and text description in an April 29, 1838 diary entry of Bvt. Captain John T. Sprague made while he was stationed at the fort. Archaeological findings support Sprague’s descriptions.
In August 1842, the war was declared over and the last of the troops were withdrawn from Fort King in March 1843.
The County Seat
In 1844, Fort King was designated the county seat of the newly formed Marion County. Buildings were repurposed into residences, a post office, a Methodist mission and a general store. The two-story cupola-topped barracks served as Marion County’s first courthouse.
Original plan for the first fort as prepared by Glassell. That fort would not follow this plan; however, it appears the second fort did. From the National Archives, Washington
Erected by Florida Department of State/Division
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 29° 11.241′ N, 82° 4.953′ W. Marker is in Ocala, Florida, in Marion County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Fort King Street and SE 39th Terrace, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3925 E Fort King St, Ocala FL 34470, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Tale of Two Forts (here, next to this marker); Fort King Road (a few steps from this marker); The Seminole War (a few steps from this marker); The First Seminole War (a few steps from this marker); Fort King (a few steps from this marker); The Second Seminole War / The Third Seminole War (a few steps from this marker); The U.S. Army on the frontier (within shouting distance of this marker); It was a Hard Life at Fort King (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocala.
Also see . . . Fort King National Historic Landmark. (Submitted on July 5, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, July 4, 2022
2. The Second Fort Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
