Near Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort Gardiner

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016

1. Fort Gardiner Marker

Inscription. A few miles east of here, on the banks of the Kissimmee River stood Fort Gardiner. Named for Captain George Washington Gardiner who died in the Dade Massacre in 1835. Established December 2, 1837 by Colonel Zachary Taylor on his march to the Battle of Okeechobee. Designated as the Headquarters, First Brigade, Army South of the Withlacoochee; it was used in 1838 by the Fourth and Sixth Infantry. Following the battle, the wounded were brought to this depot and sent forward to Tampa on January 1, 1838.

Erected by The Polk County Historical Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #12 Zachary Taylor series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 2, 1837.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 27° 56.726′ N, 81° 25.434′ W. Marker was near Lake Wales, Florida, in Polk County. It was at the intersection of Camp Mack Road and Rosalie Boulevard, on the right when traveling east on Camp Mack Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Lake Wales FL 33898, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

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Regionally, this marker was in Central Florida.

It was also in the American South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Fort Gardiner (approx. 3.7 miles away); Sumica (approx. 6.8 miles away); Church of the Holy Spirit (approx. 9.3 miles away); The Mountain Lake Sanctuary (approx. 9.4 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 10.2 miles away); Crystal Lake / Allen Carleton Nydegger (approx. 10.3 miles away); Lake Wales Depot (approx. 10.3 miles away); Cannon from the USS Constitution (approx. 10.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Wales.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Indian Trails (was approx. 9 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Regarding Fort Gardiner. Fort Gardiner was the stepping off point for the Battle of Okeechobee which was fought on December 25, 1837. Eleven hundred US troops fought 400 Seminoles. The result of the battle left 26 men dead and 112 wounded of Zachary Taylor's force. There were 11 dead and 14 wounded Seminoles. The wounded soldiers were brought first back to Ft. Gardiner then to Ft. Fraser (near present day Highland City) then to Ft. Brooke (Tampa). This battle was one of the major battles of the Second Seminole Indian War. It brought national prominence to Taylor who went on to become the 12th President

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016

2. Fort Gardiner Marker

Looking east on Camp Mack Road.

of the United States. Source: Mahon, John K. "History of the Second Seminole War." University of Florida Press. 1967.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Additional commentary.
1. The marker was damaged and removed
This historical marker was damaged by an automobile in 2020. The Polk County Historical Committee decided not to repair the marker and it was permanently removed.

— Submitted November 14, 2022, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida.

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 5, 2016

3. Fort Gardiner Marker

1860 map depicting Fort Gardiner. Note spelling as "Gardner." Fort Fraser and Fort Brooke are also shown on this map. Author's collection.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2016, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,908 times since then and 58 times this year. Last updated on December 23, 2022, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2016, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.