Socially Speaking

from Ocala Magazine April 2021

Anthology: Poetry in Motion

Fort King National Historic Landmark Brings History Alive

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com

Some people think of history as a living spirit which enriches the present and guides future generations. Nowhere in Ocala/Marion County is the living spirit of history more alive and on view than at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Former New York State Parks Commissioner and one of the trustees of the Fort King Heritage Association, Bernadette Castro, explains, “The Ocala/Marion County region is sitting on a secret that must be shouted out to residents, visitors, businesses, students and educators.” The words “National Historic Landmark” are very significant and can only be authorized by the National Park Service, which designated the title to Fort King in 2004. That title is an incredible honor for the site, which tells exciting stories of Chief Osceola and how the Seminoles interacted with the U.S. Army in this frontier fort. Standing inside the fort helps one understand the complicated story of the Seminole Wars and encourages more learning on the subject. This historic site offers a walking trail where one can imagine the soldiers and Seminoles on horseback.

As Castro observes, the Fort King National Historic Landmark is still a well-kept secret to many.

The Fort King National Historic Landmark is a 42-acre park located within the city of Ocala. Operated by the City of Ocala, the park amenities include a full- scale replica of the 1837 fort, visitor center, archaeological resource center, nature trails, seep spring and heritage teaching garden. Fort King National Historic Landmark is dedicated to the education of the Seminole Wars in Florida and the role that Fort King played in those wars, which spanned 42 years of conflict.

Future development of the park includes the eventual construction of the entire Fort King complex as well as a new museum and education center. The economic impact on our local economy is significant as heritage tourism is a thriving industry in Florida.

The Fort King Heritage Association (FKHA) is a non-profit formed to “preserve, protect and promote” the Fort King National Historic Landmark, while serving as a citizen support group to cultivate and sustain a public-private partnership with private donors and local, state and federal governments. Under the leadership of Charlie Stone, who recently termed out as a state legislator and is the current FKHA president, a recent legislative delegation luncheon was held. Those in attendance included state Sens. Jennifer Bradley, Dennis Baxley and Keith Perry, along with U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn and state Rep. Joe Harding. Also in attendance were Stone and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Larry Cretul.

It is meetings such as this that are making the future visions of Fort King National Historic Landmark a reality. The next project is to rebuild the blacksmith shop for which

Bill McCall and Rep. Joe Harding

Larry Cretul, County Commissioner Craig Curry and Charlie Stone

Rep. Stan McLaine, Senator Jennifer Bradley and Senator Dennis Baxley

Caroline Rutosky, Preston Posner, Bill Rodriguez and Keifer Caulkins

FKHA has completed the archeological work. After that, FKHA seeks to rebuild all the buildings that stood inside and outside of the fort’s walls: officers’ quarters, a sutler’s store, powder room and courthouse as the first county seat for Marion County.

In addition, FKHA wants to construct a new welcome center that will contain a shop, library, video room, displays for artifacts and various displays of the U.S. military and Seminoles. Such ambitious projects benefit our entire community but especially students who get a hands-on view of Seminole War history.

Most historical sites like Fort King are now covered with asphalt or have a shopping center standing on top of them, but not Fort King. Fort King National Historic Landmark is located at 3925 E. Fort King Street, Ocala. For more information or to plan a family tour or educational visit, please call 352-368-5535.

Kimberly’s Playground

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE J. WENGLER

Kimberly Center for Child Protection had its ribbon-cutting ceremony for the much-anticipated playground Feb. 25. Kimberly Center was founded in 1996 by a team of professionals and various leaders in the community to help children start the process of recovery due to a trauma or a neglect situation. There are around 350-400 cases of child abuse each month in Marion County. This $200,000 project was developed to help the children have a little fun while also receiving therapeutic touches throughout the playground. It includes a mural done by Marion County education students and a plaque to honor the late Chief Greg Graham. Senator Dennis Baxley said some very moving words about how much caring for the younger generation is important, especially during these difficult times, followed by Dawn Westgate, Executive Director of Kimberly Center. There were several board members in attendance as well as members of the community to celebrate this event that will help bring joy to the lives of those going through this process.