Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old Indian Trails
Fort Gardner
1837
Photographed By Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016
1. Old Indian Trails Marker
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. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 27° 54.823′ N, 81° 34.001′ W. Marker is in Lake Wales, Florida, in Polk County. Marker is 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 is in this post office area: Lake Wales FL 33853, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. E.C. Stuart Park / The Historic Corridor (approx. 1½ miles away); The Railroad in Dundee History (approx. 8.2 miles away); Fort Gardiner (approx. 9 miles away); Chief Chipco
Photographed By Dean Moss McCracken, June 1, 2016
2. Old Indian Trails Marker
this page online
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.
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 June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2016, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida. This page has been viewed 670 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2016, by Dean Moss McCracken of Lakeland, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
