Near Bowling Green in Hardee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort Chokonikla

Photographed By Patricia Strat, December 11, 2012

1. Fort Chokonikla Marker

Inscription. This leisurely 10 minute, 1/4 mile long trail will lead you to the site of Fort Chokonikla built in late 1849. It consisted of three square blockhouses for defense, and canvas tents for sleeping. No battles were fought here and it was abandoned about one year later due to sickness.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 27° 37.368′ N, 81° 48.558′ W. Marker is near Bowling Green, Florida, in Hardee County. Marker is in Paynes Creek Historic State Park, behind the Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bowling Green FL 33834, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of Fort Hartsuff (approx. 6.6 miles away); Seminole Indian Battle (approx. 8.4 miles away); "Bone" Mizell (approx. 8.4 miles away); Willoughby Tillis Battle Monument (approx. 8.9 miles away); Florida 2000 Center of Population (approx. 9 miles away); Fort Meade Veterans Memorial (approx. 9 miles away); Christ Church (approx. 9 miles away); Site of Fort Meade (approx. 9.2 miles away).

Regarding Fort Chokonikla. During the 1840s, tensions between the settlers and Seminole Indians prompted authorities

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to establish a trading post in Florida´s interior, away from settlements. Built in early 1849, the post was attacked and destroyed by renegade Indians that summer. In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built nearby as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. The Seminoles never attacked the fort, but the Army was nearly defeated by mosquitoes.

Site of Fort Chokonikla image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patricia Strat, December 11, 2012

2. Site of Fort Chokonikla

Fort Chokonikla was built on high ground close to a water supply.

Fort Chokonikla had three square blockhouses. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patricia Strat, December 11, 2012

3. Fort Chokonikla had three square blockhouses.

Blockhouse
The blockhouse was part of most frontier forts. The overhanging upperstory had gunports in the floor. This prevented an enemy from rushing the building and sheltering against the walls.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patricia Strat, December 11, 2012

4. Paynes Creek Historic State Park

888 Lake Branch Road, Bowling Green, Florida

Paynes Creek Historic State Park Visitor Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patricia Strat, December 11, 2012

5. Paynes Creek Historic State Park Visitor Center

Displays depict the lives of Florida´s Seminole Indians and pioneers during the 19th century.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2012, by Patricia Strat of Oakton, Virginia. This page has been viewed 837 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 21, 2012, by Patricia Strat of Oakton, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.