Dade Battlefield Society, 7200 Battlefield Parkway, Bushnell, FL (2026)

Create meaningful experiences for others while deepening your own cultural understanding. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, acquired by the State of Florida in 1921, is the second oldest site in the state whose protection and preservation is designated as being in the best interests of its citizens. Although for two generations its main use was as a recreational spot for nearby residents, its

main focus was never lost: a memorial for the brave men, both soldiers and Native Americans, whose 1835 battle marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War, the longest conflict in the first 195 years of American history. In the mid-1950’s the State moved to more formally embrace the 80-acre property into its official park system, making improvements and other steps to bring the actual battlefield’s appearance back to what it was when Major Francis L. Dade’s command had been defeated by a greatly superior Seminole force. By 1987, the Dade Battlefield Society, formed with support from both the local community and others interested in preserving our natural and cultural heritage, became the park’s Citizen Support Organization. Our Society is concerned with increasing public awareness of Dade Battlefield and its significance through living history events, nature programs, social functions, educational and recreational activities, festivals, and our highly authentic annual reenactment of Dade’s Battle that is held each January. We are a diverse group of like-minded volunteers who proudly operate the Dade Battlefield Society exclusively for charitable purposes.

06/16/2026

06-13-26

Living Historian-Led Guided Walk

Reenactors Jesse Marshall and Ethan Parks, attired and equipped as Second Seminole War soldiers, conducted a living history program and guided walk for 10 park visitors. Two new recruits, Alexei Daliba and Holden Huffman, joined Marshal and Parks for the program, with Marshall running them through the paces of Second Seminole War drill and tactics beforehand. During the interpretive program and guided walk, Marshall narrated as Parks, Daliba and Huffman demonstrated marching, weapons handling and using the log breastworks as a defensive position. In addition to displaying their weapons and accoutrements, Marshall and Parks discussed the history surrounding Dade’s Battle of 1835 and its long-term impact upon Florida history.

06/12/2026

🍄 Nature's Surprise at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park! 🌿

Have you ever spotted a fungus that looks like a colorful sponge cake sitting on the forest floor? One of the fascinating members of the Boletaceae family can do just that! With its vibrant colors, soft-looking pores underneath, and cake-like appearance, this fungi often catches the eye of hikers and nature lovers alike.
Boletes are unique mushrooms that produce spores through tiny pores rather than gills, and many play an important role in the health of our forests by forming beneficial relationships with trees.

As you explore the trails at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, keep an eye out for these remarkable fungi. Their bright colors and unusual textures are a reminder that some of nature's most beautiful discoveries are found right beneath our feet. And as always - NEVER eat wild mushrooms!

📸 Have you found an interesting mushroom or fungus during your visit? Share your photos in the comments!

06/10/2026

🌱🌱Nature Spotlight🌱🌱 Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

These photos showcase differences in color for the same species of passionflower! These magnificent beauties produce egg-shaped fruits called maypops. They also attract Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing butterflies making them a great addition to any home garden.

Which photo is your favorite? Comment or like the pic that you like best!

06/08/2026

A big thank you to our four dedicated Citizen Support Organization (CSO) members and volunteers who traveled to Myakka River State Park to represent Dade Battlefield Historic State Park at the District 4 Junior Ranger Jamboree!

Throughout the event, they helped introduce young visitors and their families to the history of Dade Battlefield, shared information about Florida's state parks, and engaged participants with hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity about our state's natural and cultural resources. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment helped create a memorable experience for future Junior Rangers from across the district.

Events like the Junior Ranger Jamboree provide a wonderful opportunity for parks to connect with communities, encourage outdoor exploration, and foster the next generation of park stewards.

We are proud to have such outstanding volunteers representing Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. Thank you for your time, energy, and dedication to sharing our park's story!

06/06/2026

Four little visitors have been spotted at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park!

These four young armadillos have been exploring the park grounds, rooting through the soil in search of insects and other tasty treats. Armadillos play an important role in our ecosystem by helping control insect populations and aerating the soil as they forage.

Some fun facts about armadillos:
- They can swim! They have been reported to hold their breath up to six minutes.
- Armadillos typically live 12-15 years.
- They normally give birth to identical quadruplets.
- If startled, they can jump up 4 to 5 feet in the air.
If you visit the park, keep an eye out for these adorable youngsters—but remember to admire wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed wild animals.

Have you seen armadillos during your visit to the park? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below!

Address

7200 Battlefield Parkway
Bushnell, FL
33513

Telephone

+13527934781

Website

http://www.dadebattlefield.com/

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Dade Battlefield Society