National Register Listing

Dade Battlefield Historic Memorial

a.k.a. Dade's Massacre;Dade Battlefield

1 mi. W of Bushnell off U.S. 301, Bushnell, FL
Local significance of the site:
Native American; Military; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

ethnic heritage Native American military politics government
The Fountain of Youth, a legendary spring that was believed to grant eternal youth to those who drank from it, was thought to be located in Florida. Juan Ponce de León is said to have been searching for it when he discovered the land that would become Florida.
Florida random facts
Sumter County, located in central Florida, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Timucua and Seminole Indians. These tribes lived off the land, utilizing the county's abundant natural resources for sustenance.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, establishing relationships with local tribes. The establishment of Fort Dade in the mid-19th century played a significant role in the county's history. The fort was built during the Second Seminole War and served as a crucial defensive point. It later became a stopping point for settlers and traders traveling through the region.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Sumter County. The introduction of railroads in the early 1900s helped connect the county to other parts of Florida, facilitating trade and transportation. Sumter County's economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly citrus farming, cattle ranching, and vegetable production.

In recent decades, Sumter County has experienced rapid growth and development. The expansion of The Villages, a massive retirement community, has significantly impacted the county's economy and population. The Villages is now one of the largest retirement communities in the United States, attracting thousands of retirees each year.

Overall, Sumter County's history is a blend of Native American heritage, Spanish exploration, and agricultural development. Today, it stands as a vibrant community with a diverse population and a mix of traditional and modern influences.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sumter County, Florida.

  • 1821 - Sumter County is officially created as a county in Florida.
  • 1831 - The first permanent settlement in the county is established at Adamsville.
  • 1845 - Florida becomes a state, and Sumter County is part of its territory.
  • 1853 - Sumterville is established as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Sumter County sees significant involvement in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The railroad arrives in Sumter County, boosting economic development.
  • 1902 - Wildwood becomes the new county seat, replacing Sumterville.
  • 1957 - The federal government establishes the Withlacoochee State Forest in parts of Sumter County.
  • 1995 - The Villages, a master-planned retirement community, begins development in Sumter County.
  • 2020 - Sumter County celebrates its 199th anniversary since its creation.