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

Old Indian Trails

Fort Gardner

— 1837 —

Old Indian Trails Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016

1. Old Indian Trails Marker

Inscription. On Kissimmee River sixteen miles northeast of Lake Wales government trail leading to fort crosses highway between Gum Lakes. Lake Rosalee, where Seminole Indians stopped before moving to Everglades, is near this trail.

Erected 1935 by Lake Wales Chapter, D.A.R.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Roads & Vehicles • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 27° 54.823′ N, 81° 34.001′ W. Marker was in Lake Wales, Florida, in Polk County. It was at the intersection of Burns Avenue (State Road 17) and Tower Boulevard, on the right when traveling east on Burns Avenue. Marker is across Burns Avenue from the entrance to Bok Tower Gardens. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Lake Wales FL 33853, 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.

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 3 miles of this

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location, measured as the crow flies: Church of the Holy Spirit (approx. 1.4 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Crystal Lake / Allen Carleton Nydegger (approx. 1.4 miles away); E.C. Stuart Park / The Historic Corridor (approx. 1½ miles away); Cannon from the USS Constitution (approx. 1½ miles away); Lake Wales Depot (approx. 1½ miles away); The Mountain Lake Sanctuary (approx. 1.9 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Wales.

More about this marker. This old and interesting marker is obviously damaged. The Polk County History Center has been notified of its condition. It was strategically placed at the entrance to one of Florida's oldest tourist attractions.

Regarding Old Indian Trails. Fort Gardner is actually spelled Gardiner. Period maps and military records both include the error. The fort was named for Captain George Washington Gardiner who was killed on December 28, 1835 at the Dade Massacre which is credited for starting the Second Seminole Indian War 1835-1842.

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

Additional commentary.
1. Removed
This historical marker was permanently

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016

2. Old Indian Trails Marker

removed by the City of Lake Wales in 2018. There was no access or parking to the marker. An attempt was made to find the other half of the broken marker. It was never found.

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

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 5, 2016

3. Old Indian Trails Marker

Marker as it appeared in January, 1983. Picture courtesy of The Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library.

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016

4. Old Indian Trails Marker

Looking east on Burns Avenue. Note Bok Tower Garden entrance.

Photographed by Dean Moss McCracken, June 5, 2016

5. Old Indian Trails Marker

1860 map of central Florida showing Polk County Seminole Indian War Forts Gardiner, Fraser, Carroll and Cummings. Polk County was established in 1861. Author's collection.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2016, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,621 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on September 24, 2023. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2016, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.