The last time I visited Fort Christmas in Orange County was when my children were in elementary school and that was – well, let’s just say that was a long time ago. As with all historical places, I have found I appreciate them more the older I get.
Fort Christmas Historical Park is located on Highway 50 between Orlando and Titusville. It sits about two miles off 50 on County Road 420, or as the locals call it, Fort Christmas Road. The park takes up 25 acres on the west side of the road and 119 on the east. There is a lot to see and do at the park, so plan on staying awhile.
Replica of Fort Christmas
Perhaps the centerpiece of the park is the full-size replica of Fort Christmas. The original fort was just a short distance away and was one of several posts built to store supplies for troops on their way south for fighting in the Second Seminole War. The original fort was established December 25, 1837 and was abandoned less than four months later. The name lived on, however, as it became the name of the town of Christmas.
Entrance to replica of Fort Christmas
Just inside the entrance is the first of two blockhouses which served as lookouts, the general’s headquarters, and protection of the troops. The second of the blockhouses sits on the opposite corner of the fort.
Building to the right of the entrance is one of two blockhouses.
These two structures now serve as museums and house artifacts of the time – from photos of prominent families to weaponry to saddles, cowboy hats and other ranching necessities.
Also inside the stockade is a storehouse for holding the army rations and supplies as well as food staples. A powder magazine below ground level (for safety purposes) provides visitors with a look at how ammunition was stored.
Living History Settlement
A few steps away from the fort is the entrance to the village. Imagine life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. No air conditioning, no inside plumbing. One-room houses were the norm, although some were added onto over time for growing families.
The Yates House
Walking into any of these structures reminds you of how simple yet how tough life was at the turn of the century. Netting around the beds. Handmade quilts. Living spaces with fireplaces.
Interior of one of the homes. Notice the netting over the beds and the cracks between the wood.
Living rooms served as family spaces.
Some of these houses also serve as exhibits. The Simmons III Home also serves as the exhibit for the Fort Christmas Post Office…
While the Ranching Exhibit is housed inside the Beehead Ranch House.
Notice all of the brands on the hide on the floor
Other Historical Structures
As a former teacher, it’s always interesting to see how schools were once operated. Stepping inside the Union School provided a look into a 1907 classroom. Named for the way it “united” several of the small schools in the area operated by families into one location, Union School was once just a one-room schoolhouse.
The Union School
An addition of a small room in the back of the school was made in the 1920s. The desks are set in neat rows with reading books of various grade levels set on top of them.
Original room of the school
1920s addition
A lunchroom added in 1932 now serves as a kitchen exhibit for those visiting the park.
Other structures include the Partin Home – built in 1953 complete with indoor plumbing and electricity. It is a far cry from their first home built 40 years before. Their ‘50s barn is also adjacent to the house.
Partin Home
Recreational Amenities
The park provides visitors with other opportunities for fun and family time. Take along your basketball or tennis rackets and have some friendly competition on the courts. There’s also a playground, a 1920’s softball field and rentable pavilions where you can enjoy your lunches.
Whatever you do during your visit to the park, it’s sure to be both educational and fun. The park is open during the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and in the winter from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hours for the museum and homes are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
