Fort Christmas Museum

Located within the Fort Christmas Historical Park, the Fort Christmas Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the heritage of Fort Christmas, which was built for use during the Second Seminole Indian War of 1835~1842. Some 2,000 U.S. Army Soldiers and Alabama Volunteers were involved in the construction, arriving here on December 25, 1837, hence the unusual name for the fortifications.

A variety of exhibits and a video presentation portray what the "Cracker" lifestyle was like during the 19th century in "Old Florida" along with the history of the Seminole Indian Wars. Displays show representations of pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s, including such themes as homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping.

Of special interest to visitors are seven different restored historical homes that evidence the Cracker architecture of East Orange County. Each home may be entered and contains artifacts and interpretive panels of an educational nature. There is also a gift shop plus three picnic pavilions on the property, with large barbeque grills, electrical outlets and water hoses. A playground with swings, a slide, and a fort looking jungle gym is open to the public, too.

The Fort Christmas Museum is managed by the Fort Christmas Historical Society in cooperation with the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division. The address is 1300 North Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, Florida 32709. Museum operating hours are from 9am to 4pm on Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays and holidays. There is no charge for admission.