Kissimmee in Osceola County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Fletcher Park
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2023
1. Fletcher Park Marker
Donated to the State of Florida
June 15 1935
By Tufts College
Boston Massachusetts
In Memory of
Austin.B.Fletcher
To Perpetuate
For Future Generations
These
Large Cypress Trees
Austin B. Fletcher (1852-1923) was born in Mendon, Massachusetts. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts from Tufts College. In addition to financially supporting his alma mater, Fletcher invested in many projects along the East Coast, including the purchase of 38 acres of land along Reedy Creek between Kissimmee and Haines City.
His Florida estate was home to tall cypress trees and a dense forest believed to be used as a place of concealment by Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. The land also included a sweet orange grove which was a well-guarded secret of the local Seminole Indians, and the object of many a search party.
Tufts College was named the principal beneficiary of Fletcher's vast estate. Because of the area's unique history, the land was deeded to the state of Florida in 1935. A marker was erected, but later removed to prevent its destruction during the Old Tampa Highway widening project. Osceola County Commissioners relocated the
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is June 15, 1935.
Location. 28° 18.289′ N, 81° 26.99′ W. Marker is in Kissimmee, Florida, in Osceola County. Marker is on West Vine Street (Florida Route 192) 0.1 miles west of North Hoagland Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Marker located on the east side of the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4155 W Vine Street, Kissimmee FL 34741, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cattleman’s Barn (approx. 0.9 miles away); Home Sweet Home (approx. 0.9 miles away); A Working Yard (approx. 0.9 miles away); Lanier Legacy (approx. 0.9 miles away); Raymond V. Lanier: A Progressive Farmer (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cow Camps (approx. one mile away); Radcliffe Cadman Bros. Packing House (approx. one mile away); Bunk House (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kissimmee.
Also see . . . Fletcher Park Monument
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2023
2. Fletcher Park Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2023
3. Fletcher Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 344 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
