Where Progress Meets Preservation Imagine a 200-mile channel across Florida, connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean. The Cross Florida Barge Canal would have been like a moat, separating people and wildlife on either side. This . . . — — Map (db m166700) HM
A short distance north of here stood the sugar plantation of Jehu Foster Marshall, established in 1855. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, Marshall was named a colonel in the Confederate Army and soon commanded one of General Wade Hampton's . . . — — Map (db m167953) HM
Imagine This Spot Underwater If the Cross Florida Barge Canal had been built in the 1960s as planned, Marshall Swamp would be 13 feet underwater. The swamp sat in the path of the Dosh Reservoir. Plans called for flooding 20 miles of the . . . — — Map (db m167900) HM
Marti City, the center of Ocala’s tobacco industry, was a Cuban community of cigar makers, located 2 miles S.S.W. of this park. The Cubans worked with tobacco leaves that came from Cuba to Ocala through Jacksonville. Twenty cigar factories were . . . — — Map (db m212100) HM
This building was built in 1895 as a Masonic Hall. Artist Joyce Ballantine-Brand lived in a upstairs apartment for more than 30 years. She featured her daughter in an advertisement for the Coppertone Company in 1959. — — Map (db m189542) HM
[front]
Criteria for Award
The Medal of Honor, established by Joint Resolution of Congress 12 July 1862 (amended by Act of 9 July 1918 and Act of 25 July 1963) is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a . . . — — Map (db m199124) WM
Medal of Honor Recipients
3rd Reconnaissance Battalion.
Duty • Honor • Pride
Frank S. Reasoner
Alpha Company
12 July 1965
Terrence C. Graves
3rd Force Recon Co.
16 February 1968
Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. . . . — — Map (db m198688) WM
Medal of Honor Recipients
of the Jewish Faith
Benjamin Levy 3-1865 • Abraham Cohn 8-1865 • Leopoldo Karpeles 4-1870 • Simon Suhler 11-1876 • David Orbansky 8-1879 • Samuel Gross 5-1917 • Sydney G. Gumpertz 2-1919 • Benjamin Kaufman . . . — — Map (db m198455) WM
Military Bands
Military history contains much music in
marching - parades - posting of colors
taps - concerts - tours and troop
entertainment.
It was a morale factor in
Armed services.
Marine Band - Est. 1798 . . . — — Map (db m198652) HM WM
Navajo Indian Code Talkers
U.S.M.C.
Used their native language skills to direct U.S. Marine Corps artillery fire during WWII in Pacific area. Japanese could not break code thus these early Americans exemplified the spirit of . . . — — Map (db m199035) WM
A special force for both WWI & WWII known
as Naval Armed Guard Service protected
Merchant Marine ships carrying materials
troops & supplies to all fronts from
attack by submarine & air.
WWII
Served on 6,236 ships . . . — — Map (db m198727) HM WM
Dedicated to our Nation's Naval Commandos
Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDU)
Amphibious Scouts and Raiders (Joint)
Office of Strategic Services Maritime Unit (OSS-MU)
U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) . . . — — Map (db m198072) WM
Normandy Invasion
June 6,1944 (D-Day), American, British,
Canadian & French stormed the beach
to liberate Europe from
Nazi Germany
WWII
Dedicated to: Horace W. & Lourine Hooker Badger Family Navy (LCI) - D-Day . . . — — Map (db m198530) WM
Nursing
In the U.S. Armed Forces
Established
Navy 1906 • Army 1901 • Air Force 1949
ORMC/WMCH honors the nurses that have served our country in the Armed Forces
Dedicated Nurses Week May 2003 . . . — — Map (db m197987) HM WM
In 1539 Spanish explorers under Hernando de Soto discovered in this vicinity a populous native country called Ocali. From this Timucuan name is derived Ocala, a designation distinctive among the oldest place-names of Florida. Marion County, named . . . — — Map (db m90554) HM
In December, 1890, Ocala was host to a meeting of the National Farmers' Alliance. Sessions, attended by 88 delegates and hundreds of visitors, were held at the Opera House and the Semi-Tropical Exposition Building. A state-wide agricultural . . . — — Map (db m90552) HM
This Bell dated 1889 was originally located on this block. The Bell hung from the Fire Station Bell Tower until the Firehouse was razed in 1968. — — Map (db m189398) HM
The Ocala Fire Department was established following the devastating Thanksgiving Day fire of 1883 which destroyed five square blocks downtown. As a result, a brick fire station was constructed on this site. The mammoth bell could be heard . . . — — Map (db m189400) HM
Constructed in 1911, it was the first granite building in Ocala. It served as the most prominent financial institution and was located on the most prestigious corner in the city. — — Map (db m189393) HM
Ocala Rifles
Unit became Co. 1, 2nd Batt FLA Troops
Supported U.S. Spanish - American War in Cuba
Served April - December 1898
Present day Ocalans are descendants of early veterans
Thus a tradition of area service continues . . . — — Map (db m198863) HM WM
Oklahoma Seminoles. The Seminole Nation in the State of Oklahoma is the largest of the three recognized Seminole governments in the United States. They are descendants of the 3,000 Seminoles who were forcibly removed from Florida in the middle . . . — — Map (db m167204) HM
Landfill Legacy Nearby is a landfill that was used during the construction of a massive canal across Florida. Engineers and workers operating huge machines dug about a third of the canal in the 1960s. The project was never completed, but its . . . — — Map (db m166776) HM
USS Constitution
1798
Old Ironsides
This vessel was the 2nd war ship built by
the United States Government
Fought in many battles & engagements
Served as:
Training ship, War of Tripoli, War of 1812
Civil . . . — — Map (db m198332) HM WM
"Incited by selfish interests and from a purely mercenary motive, an effort is now being made, through construction of a cross-state canal, to mar and at least, in part, destroy the region's beauty, fertility and health." Hillsborough County Board . . . — — Map (db m166905) HM
Dec. 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor
Base Hawaii
U.S. had 22 ships 188 aircraft lost or damaged
2409 KIA most from Battleship Arizona
Japan lost 27 planes 5 midget subs
U.S. entered WWII
A date that will live in infamy . . . — — Map (db m198329) HM
History of Santos Founders and Families In 1882, John A. Cole and his family (black Americans) established Santos, naming it after a village in Brazil (South America) where they had gone to start a new life following the American Civil War. . . . — — Map (db m166911) HM
President John F. Kennedy
U.S. Navy Veteran
01/20/1961
My fellow Americans, ask not what
your country can do for you. Ask
what you can do for your country.
Dedicated to all the men and women
who answered their . . . — — Map (db m198615) WM
George Washington, General, Continental Army
James Madison, Colonel, Continental Army
James Monroe, Lieutenant Colonel, Continental Army
Andrew Jackson, Major General, Continental Army
William H. Harrison, Major . . . — — Map (db m199099) HM
"Even a shallow canal would pollute the aquifer because of the porosity of the underlying rock structure… barge traffic would jeopardize both surface and ground water with the threat of oil spills and leakage from vessels and the wash-off of . . . — — Map (db m166904) HM
Raid on Tokyo Japan
Led by LT COL James H. Doolittle
16 B-25 Bombers - 80 brave crew
From USS Hornet (CV-8)
17th Bomber Group 89th RECON Squadron
1st Bombing Raid on Japan WWII
4 - 18 - 42
Dedicated to: . . . — — Map (db m198434) WM
1st. Seminole War: 1817 - 1818
Warfare in south GA & Florida
Gen. Andrew Jackson led U.S. troops. Seminoles
we’re called Micos and we’re quickly defeated.
Spain ceded Florida to U.S. in 1821
2nd. Seminole War: 1835 . . . — — Map (db m198855) WM
Dedicated to men and women and handicapped who worked to build planes, tanks, guns, ships, munitions and those of the home guard enabling troops to win WWII battles fought in two oceans to protect our freedom. They were part of the . . . — — Map (db m198428) WM
High and Dry in the Sandhill Look around — do you notice sandy soil and pine trees? This habitat is called sandhill. It grows on ancient sand dunes left behind when sea levels were higher. Sandhill is now exceptionally rare. It's ideal . . . — — Map (db m167504) HM
Shenandoah Valley
&
Peninsula Campaigns, VA.
March - June 1862
Casualties
U.S.A. …22,000
C.S.A. … 22,700
Deo Vindice
Mexican War vet George W. Scott, our forefather, served the CSA Co I, 7th Va Cav with . . . — — Map (db m198045) WM
Juan Ponce De Leon planted the castle and lion flag of King Ferdinand III to claim La Florida for the Spanish crown.
This flag, placed near present-day St. Augustine, was also used by Christopher Columbus to claim lands in the Americas during . . . — — Map (db m198349) HM
St. Augustine
America’s First City
Established by Spain September 8, 1566
Subsequently came under the jurisdiction
of Britain, France, the United States and
the Confederacy
The Fort of Castillo De San Marcos was . . . — — Map (db m198806) HM
Dedicated to the surviving airmen POWs of
Stalag Luft IV
(Eastern Prussia)
and the Death March that
began on February 6, 1945,
lasting 3 months
Sponsored by the family of
Leo W. Smith Sr. . . . — — Map (db m198550) WM
Star Spangled Banner
Sept. 14, 1814
Adopted as National Anthem in 1931
Written by Francis Scott Key seeing the flag flying over Fort McHenry
after bombardment, later set to music. Flag is on display in Smithsonian. . . . — — Map (db m198613) HM WM
This Victorian Vernacular Style home was built in 1892, by William Robert Bryant. He was a successful farmer who moved from Missouri to Ocala in the 1880’s. His grandson, Cecil Farris Bryant, served as the 34th Governor of the State of Florida. — — Map (db m189499) HM
"La Florida" Became Part of World Commerce [panel 1] 1507 • Explorer Ponce de Leon claims "La Florida" for Spain and recommends canal to King to protect gold carrying ships to Spain. 1763-1802 • Eastern Florida passes from Spain . . . — — Map (db m166900) HM
This Carpenter Gothic Style Home was built in 1906. James Carlisle owned The Palace Drug Store and was an Ocala Fireman. Mr. Carlisle also obtained the first franchise for The Ocala Telephone Company in 1894. — — Map (db m189608) HM
This Victorian Frame Style House was built in 1891. It is named for Zack Chambliss who co-founded the Munroe-Chambliss Bank, and also founded The First Livestock Firm in Marion County in 1892. — — Map (db m189501) HM
Several years after the conclusion of the War of 1812, the U.S. military began excursions into the Spanish owned territory of Florida. General Andrew Jackson ordered his military to invade and destroy the “Negro Fort” on the Apalachicola River . . . — — Map (db m201473) HM
Built in 1932 as apartments by Ida P. Boyer and her family. The family resided on the premises for many years. The First Baptist Church later used the Mediterranean style building as offices until the Church was destroyed by fire in 1991 and . . . — — Map (db m189486) HM
This American Foursquare Style home was built in 1909. It is named for Louise Gamsby, who served as Ocala’s Librarian from 1916 until 1951. — — Map (db m189609) HM
This building was built in 1884 following the great fire. McCrory’s Five and Dime Store occupied this building from 1929 until 1991. It was renovated by Blanchard, Merriam, Adel and Kirkland P.A. in 1993. — — Map (db m189539) HM
This Tudor Revival Style Home was built in 1938. It is named for Thomas and Fordie Kemp. In the 1930’s Mr. Kemp was an agent for the Sinclair Refining Company. — — Map (db m189607) HM
In colonial times patriots often gathered by designated trees to sow the seeds of revolution and freedom. Such trees came to symbolize American liberty. This oak tree is dedicated to the people of Marion County as a living tribute to our founding . . . — — Map (db m198137) WM
This building was built in 1885, and contains Ocala’s first elevator. Originally there was a drug store on the first floor, offices on the second floor, and an Opera House on the top floor with seating for 900 people. — — Map (db m189538) HM
Formed January 1942 in WWII arrived United Kingdom February 1942. Flew first mission in July. B-17 “Flying Fortresses” and B-24 “Liberators” were used for strategic daylight bombing against Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe. Of 200,000 combat crew . . . — — Map (db m198129) WM
Wm. T. Taylor built this Victorian, Eastlake Stick-style house with Gothic architectural influences for Daniel A. Miller, President of Marion County Legislators in 1887. The Millers enjoyed the home for more than 22 years. The W.T. Gary family owned . . . — — Map (db m189483) HM
Designated as a Public Square in the original Ocala plat of 1846, this location was the site of Marion County’s first permanent courthouse built in 1851. It was a two-story frame building of Colonial design. The second courthouse was erected on this . . . — — Map (db m90553) HM
This Victorian Frame Vernacular Style home was built in 1912. It is named for E.A. Osborne who was the director of the City of Ocala’s Light and Water Department. Soul Essentials of Ocala was established in 2006, and relocated to this location in . . . — — Map (db m189604) HM
This Victorian Vernacular Style home was built in 1895. It is named for C.L. Raysor who was born in an upstairs bedroom on October 10, 1910. — — Map (db m189543) HM
The Red Ball Express was an enormous truck convoy system created by Allied forces to supply their forward area combat units, from August 25 to November 16, 1944. The route was marked with red balls and the trucks were also marked with red balls and . . . — — Map (db m198380) HM WM
This Victorian Queen Anne Style home was built in 1891. Charles and Emma Rheinauer purchased the home in 1895. He founded The Rheinauer Department Store, was the president of the LaCriole Cigar Company, and became mayor of Ocala in 1906. — — Map (db m189605) HM
Built in 1925 by Russel H. and Mable M. Floyd and remained in the family until 1993. Mr. Floyd was the manager of Marion Motors. The vernacular style home with Tudor Revival architectural influence is one of two homes in Ocala built with 9 inch . . . — — Map (db m189544) HM
The Second Fort
Amidst growing hostilities with the Seminole, the U.S. Army reconstructed Fort King in 1837 and continued its use until the termination of the war. Unlike the first fort, the second fort appears to have been constructed in . . . — — Map (db m201408) HM
The Second Seminole War
After years of managing conflicts between the American settlers and Native Americans all along the east coast, the United States government passed the Indian Removal Act of 1830 which sought to relocate all . . . — — Map (db m201594) HM
The Seminole Wars, also known as the Florida Wars, were three related military conflicts in Florida between the Seminole and the United States. Many consider them one conflict called The Seminole War.
There is no absolute consensus to . . . — — Map (db m201430) HM
This Victorian Frame Vernacular Style home was built in 1912. It is named for J.V. Tarver who was the Secretary for the Rentz Lumber Company. — — Map (db m189498) HM
Shortly after Florida became American Territory, the conflict between the United States and the Seminole began to escalate. In 1823, the United States and the Seminole entered into an agreement known as The Treaty of Moultrie Creek.
The . . . — — Map (db m201600) HM
After George Washington disbanded the Continental Army in 1783, the United States Army had been reduced to 80 men under a captain guarding the arsenals at two forts. To many members of Congress, a standing army was viewed as a threat to . . . — — Map (db m201667) HM WM
Wm. Marshall, Ocala’s leading contractor since 1880, built this Classic Revival home for his wife, Lily, in 1906. Intricate exterior plasterwork between each story and plaster ionic capping at the top of each column have lent people to call it “The . . . — — Map (db m189610) HM
This American Foursquare Style Home was built in 1891. It is named for James and Fannie Williams who purchased the home in 1927. Their grandson, Jim Williams, served as the Lieutenant Governor of Florida. — — Map (db m189471) HM
In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected President of the United States, in 1830, Congress passed and President Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act, which called for the relocation of all Native Americans to west of the Mississippi River the . . . — — Map (db m201518) HM
Tuskegee Airmen
WWII
1941 - 1946
1st African-American Air Corps Unit
1000 Awarded Wings at Tuskegee
Combat Record
North Africa Europe
Flew 1900 Sorties
Destroyed 1000 German Aircraft
No U.S. B-25 Bombers lost . . . — — Map (db m198588) WM
U.S. Territory of Florida
1822 - 1845
Territorial settlers were defended in
attacks from Seminoles and others by the
U.S. Army, Georgia Militia, volunteers and
Allied Indians
Sponsored by:
Descendants of our GGG + . . . — — Map (db m198997) HM WM
U.S.S. Monitor
vs
C.S.S. Virginia (Merrimack)
March 1862
Casualties
U.S.A…..1
C.S.A…10
Sponsored by: Friends and Visitors to the Park — — Map (db m198065) WM
This building was built in 1917 and operated as a train station for a century. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in 1998. — — Map (db m212099) HM
USO
Since 1940 the USO has been supporting our troops. The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress was to have the USO represent the American . . . — — Map (db m197968) HM WM
United States Merchant Marine
WWII
833 Large ships sank
31 lost with no trace
8,651 Mariners killed at sea
11,000 wounded
1,100 died from wounds ashore
604 men and women taken prisoner
60 died in prison camps . . . — — Map (db m198371) WM
When Florida became a U.S. Territory, the American flag had 23 stars. A 27th star was added to the U.S. flag in 1845 after Florida became the the 27th state.
After the Civil War, the nation’s flag contained 36 stars. Old Glory’s number of . . . — — Map (db m198346) HM
USS Juneau CL52
Cruiser
Sunk by Japanese in battle off Guadalcanal
resulting in the loss of all but 10 of crew
loss of 5 members Sullivan Family in the action.
George
Francis
Albert Sullivan
Joseph
Madison . . . — — Map (db m199048) WM
World’s 1st Nuclear Powered Submarine
Jan. 17, 1955 underway on nuclear power
Aug. 3, 1958-crossed North Pole under the ice
Sponsored by Nautilus Alumni Association — — Map (db m200648) HM
Veterans
of the
Battle of the Bulge
War War II
Luxembourg - Belgium
Dec. 16, 1944 - Jan. 28, 1945
Largest battle fought by the American Army
600,000 U.S. soldiers
31,000 Casualties
19,000 Killed
. . . — — Map (db m198617) WM
Vietnam War 1961-1975
Never in the history of the
world has any soldier sacrificed
more for the freedom and
liberty of total strangers
than the American soldier
Zell Miller
In loving memory to all veterans of . . . — — Map (db m198172) WM
War Between the States
1861-1865
The Price in Blood
Casualties
Confederate States of America
Battle Deaths … 74,524
Disease, etc…… 90,297
Total…………… 164,000
United States of America
Battle Deaths . . . — — Map (db m198025) WM
WASP
Women Airforce Service Pilots
1943-1944
First Women Trained To Fly
Military Aircraft
Involved in ferrying aircraft, towing targets and gliders, calibration flights, co-piloting bombers and Bombardier Training . . . — — Map (db m197989) WM
Still Something Special
Marion County Unit #99
Chartered October 1990
We served with honor in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm & Iraq.
We are dedicated to assisting other veterans and encouraging patriotism, . . . — — Map (db m198489) WM
Women in the Air Force
WAF
1948
Congress established the
WAF as part of the newly
established Air Force
1976
Woman integrated into
The Air Force — — Map (db m197991) HM WM
WAAC
Womens Auxiliary Corps established May 15, 1942 to
replace a man in combat.
WAC
Womens Army Corp established July 1, 1943 to replace WAAC Service
WWII 150,000+
Korea 7,800+
Vietnam 700+
December . . . — — Map (db m197971) WM
World War II Veterans of the
Ocala Honor Flights
2009 - 2012
To Honor our World War II Veterans, and to
remember all those who gave their lives for
our nation and the freedom we charish and enjoy.
“We Shall Never Forget“ . . . — — Map (db m198558) WM
Bruce Mozert worked with Silver Springs and visiting production companies for decades, taking publicity shots of stars such as Johnny Weissmuller, Jane Wyman, Gregory Peck, Ginger Stanley, Jayne Mansfield, and Howard Hughes. Silver Springs had been . . . — — Map (db m225994) HM
Tourism in Florida started after the Civil War ended in 1865 when thousands of army veterans returned for the warm climate and healing springs waters. Business people saw the opportunity to make a profit from Florida's natural environment-springs, . . . — — Map (db m225866) HM
Geologists estimate that there are over 600 springs in Florida producing more than 8 billion gallons of water a day. Thirty-three are First Magnitude springs, each with flow of over 65 million gallons per day. This is the largest concentration of . . . — — Map (db m225873) HM
