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Fort Steps Back In Time

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

THONOTOSASSA - Guests of all ages are invited to take a trip back in time.

The Hillsborough River State Park will present its annual four-day Fort Foster Living History and Period Rendezvous Thursday through Sunday.

The event at the historic site will feature the re-enactment of pioneer life in a military garrison where the Seminole Indians battled the Army and militia volunteers during the Second Seminole War in 1937.

It is the spot where the Seminoles attacked and severely damaged the fort's garrison and set fire to a nearby bridge over the Hillsborough River, destroying the supply route from Fort Brooke in Tampa to Fort King in Ocala.

Originally called Fort Alabama because soldiers from Alabama constructed it, the fortress was rebuilt by volunteers in the 1960s and renamed Fort Foster after Lt. Col. William S. Foster, who supervised the project.
History buffs outfitted in period costume depicting soldiers, American Indians, craftsmen and food vendors will re-create the historical happenings at the fort on Thursday and Friday for area school children. The public may also attend.

"If you want to see a wonderful example of history where it actually happened, a store that's portrayed by settlers selling their wares, craft demonstrations and eateries with all kinds of food, this is the place to be," said Steve Saunders of Brandon, who serves annually as the fort's quartermaster. "Kids love it."

At 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, volunteers will re-enact the battle.

"The Florida Seminole Wars were among the most interesting part of our history, but nobody really teaches it," said Saunders, a retired major from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office who has been a history buff nearly all his life.

Archie Marshall, a Veterans Memorial Park curator and Fort Foster Rendezvous re-enactor since 1994, looks forward to bringing history to life and spending time with fellow volunteer actors with whom he has developed a close alliance over the years.

"We all share the goal of reinterpreting history," Marshall said.

Patrick Potts, a Hillsborough River State Park specialist, said the event is the only one of its kind in Florida.

"It is the only rendezvous that takes place in an actual fort, and the fort is probably one of the most unique military forts in the state of Florida," he said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Fort Foster Living History and Period Rendezvous

WHERE: Fort Foster State Historic Site at Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 N. U.S. 301

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday

COST: Public admission is $5 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger. There is a $2 fee for students attending Thursday and Friday; teachers and chaperons are admitted free Thursday and Friday.

INFORMATION: www.floridastateparks.org or call (813) 987-6771

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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