Fort Christmas Historical Park

Fort Christmas, Florida: Nestled between the thrill and excitement of the theme parks and the awe of the space coast lies a hidden gem in the small town of Christmas. The Fort Christmas Historical Park is a place where the history of Central Florida comes alive.

Dedicated by Orange County in 1977, Fort Christmas Historical Park aims to give visitors a glimpse of life in early Central Florida. The park can be divided into three portions each with their own distinct style and from different period of history.

As you enter the park, there is a visitor center near the entrance to help you learn more about the buildings and the area. However it was closed during our visit so we began the self-guided tour of the buildings.

The first portion of the park is dedicated to what some would classify as high class living. The Partin House is decorated with fancy furnishings that you would have found in homes during mid-1900’s. Next to the Partin House is the Union School and Lunchroom which saw the education of students from 1906 through 1969.

Next you enter into Fort Christmas. A replica fort from the Second Seminole Wars. The original fort was located about a mile from the park. But this replica fort gives you look at how the fort was arranged and used to help fend off attacks. Today, the blockades within the fort contain historical items to help better tell the story of the region.

The last and largest section of the park is the pioneer living area. This is how much of Central Florida lived in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s. These rustic cabins were home to many of the regions farmers and ranchers. You will find several Florida Cracker style homes ranging in basic to elaborate. In addition to all the historical exhibits,

Fort Christmas Historical Park has a great range of other activities as well. They have basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, softball/baseball field, playground and picnic pavilions. They also host special events throughout the year to really help the history come alive.

Fort Christmas Historical Park is located at 1300 Fort Christmas Road in Christmas, Florida. The park is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm in the summer or 8 am-6 pm in the winter. The Museum and homes are open 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday and are closed Mondays and County Holidays. There is no admission charge for the park or the museum.

Click the photo above to view photos from our visit to the Fort Christmas Historical Park or view the
slideshow below.

Fort Christmas Historical Park
 

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