Fort Christmas, located in Central Florida, was one of four army outposts within the border of today's Orange County. The string of forts were setup to supply a military campaign in attempt to gather and relocate Florida's Seminole Indians. Nervous non-native settlers had a strong desire to remove the warring Seminoles to a reservation far to the West. The task was assigned to Major General Thomas S. Jessup, who used forts as supply depots as his troops advanced southward. This part of a continuing engagement was named the Second Seminole War.
   The historic fort, built along the St. Johns River corridor, was established on Christmas Day, 1837. The use of the fort was short lived as the war effort advanced into southern Florida. The troops were then re-supplied by a water route along the St. Lucie River.
   Today's Fort Christmas is a re-creation that began as a Bi-Centennial project. The Orange County Parks Department developed the area with pavilions, picnic tables, playgrounds, sports fields and courts, all shaded with very large and mature live oaks. Fort artifacts include displays of US military weapons, Seminole Indian clothing and pioneer tools dating from the Seminole War period.
   The Fort Christmas Historic Park not only houses a replica fort and stockade, but also features eight historic buildings. One of the latest additions, and fresh from a complete renovation, teachers and students find the 1906 Union schoolhouse and its lunch room a real eye-opener. Other cracker style homes include the 19th century Yates House, home of John Burl Yates III and Poly Canada. Originally located along Taylor Creek, the converted shed became their home. Because of the lack of space, the front porch became the kitchen and meals were often cooked in the front yard. The prominent chimney is made of sticks and marl clay mortar. These Florida homesteaders tended a garden and enjoyed the area's abundant game, including hogs, turkey and deer.

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