Near Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Jackson Trail

Florida Heritage Site

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, March 23, 2023

1. The Jackson Trail Marker

After restoration

Inscription. On December 26, 1817, U.S. Secretary of War John C. Calhoun directed General Andrew Jackson to protect citizens trying to settle in Florida. Jackson arrived in Florida with the largest army ever to invade the state to date -- 2,000 Creek Warriors and 1,000 Georgia and Tennessee militiamen. After leaving Nashville, Tennessee, they traveled through Georgia and on to Florida, winding up in Suwanee-Old Town (now Dixie County). Jackson's goal was to remove the Indians, destroy their homes and confiscate their horses, cattle and food and slaves. In four days he had killed or driven off all Indians and escaped slaves. Near this spot, in April 1818, while on a "seek and find" mission, Jackson and his army captured Indian traders Robert Armbrister and Alexander Arbuthnot. They were British subjects who were supposed to be protected by a truce between England and the United States. Jackson had Arbuthnot hanged and Armbrister shot, which almost caused a war between the two countries. The Jackson Trail ran alongside Highway 19, branching south to the coast on the west side of what is now the Horseshoe Beach Road (Highway 351).

Erected 2001

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by Dixie County Historical Society and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-439.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1818.

Location. 29° 28.615′ N, 83° 16.652′ W. Marker is near Horseshoe Beach, Florida, in Dixie County. It is on County Road 351 2.4 miles north of 1st St, Horseshoe Beach, on the left when traveling south. This marker is located in Jackson Water Hole Park, about 2.5 miles north of Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on County Road 351. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Horseshoe Beach FL 32648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Florida.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what

Photographed by Ray King, July 21, 2012

2. The Jackson Trail Marker

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 5 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Duval and the Suwannee River (approx. 12.9 miles away); Putnam Lodge (approx. 14 miles away); Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ (approx. 14.3 miles away); In Appreciation of Roy Ward (approx. 14½ miles away); Deadman Bay, Stephensville and Steinhatchee (approx. 14.6 miles away).

More about this marker. There is also a "Jackson Water Hole Park" granite monument in this park, closer to the road.

Also see . . . Wikipedia: Seminole Wars. Article details Jackson's invasion of Florida and resulting congressional condemnation of Jackson's actions. (Submitted on December 17, 2012, by Cleo Robertson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.)

Additional keywords. Seminole Wars

Photographed by Tim Fillmon

3. The Jackson Trail Marker

Photographed by Ray King, July 21, 2012

4. The Jackson Trail Marker

The Jackson Water Hole Park monument.

Photographed by Ray King, July 21, 2012

5. The Jackson Trail Marker

Back side of the Jackson Water Hole Park monument.

Photographed by Ray King, July 21, 2012

6. The Jackson Trail Marker

Jackson Water Hole Park sign and a view of the park.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2012, by Ray King of Jacksonville, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,723 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 23, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on December 3, 2012, by Ray King of Jacksonville, Florida. 3. submitted on March 23, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 3, 2012, by Ray King of Jacksonville, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.