This park is a 710-acre historic and archaeological site in Inverness, Florida, which was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1972, and tells the sad story of a land in conflict, but encompasses natural areas of beauty and tranquility. The 380 soldiers remained safe behind the picket wall fortification of pine trees; however, the Seminoles kept the soldiers trapped by attacking for 16days, stealing cattle and forcing them to slaughter horses for sustenance. 34452. Beyond is the sandhill community a dry, open forest of longleaf pines and turkey oaks. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park, Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park, Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, T.H. Built to protect wounded and sick soldiers during the Second Seminole War, Fort Cooper was the scene of several skirmishes. The Seminoles had adapted to the conditions of Floridas interior. Suggested. For the first year of the war, the Seminoles and their Black allies scored impressive victories. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Rental is 9 a.m. until one hour before the park closes. Park visitors can enjoy the picnic facilities and playground under a hardwood hammock near the lake. Dudley Farm Historic State Park 2/28/2021. Mound Key Archaeological State Park The centerpiece of this 700 acre State Park is Lake Holathlikaha which provides a perfect freshwater marsh environment for birds of all varieties including Limpkins, Whistling Ducks, Common and Purple Gallinules. A paved pathway connects the park to the multi-use paved Withlacoochee State Trail. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Grayton Beach State Park Alafia River State Park Pets are allowed at Fort Cooper State Park as long as they are supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet and stay within designated areas. 3 stars. Fort Cooper State Park. Start your review today. While marching to Fort Brook in Tampa, Scott stopped by a laketo leave the sick and wounded under the care of Major Mark Anthony Cooper. Coopers priority was to build a protective fortification, aware that if a large Seminole force caught the soldiers out in the open, the entire command might be wiped out. Private boats are not allowed. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Today nothing remains of the original fort. 13. There are frequent sightings of white-taileddeer, turkey and pileated woodpeckers, just to name a few. photos from the sources listed above, as well as publicly posted online sites with thanks to the contributors, Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions. Fort Cooper was utilized as a reconnaissance and dispatch post by various units of the army until the wars end. The intense skirmishes ultimately proved indecisive. Fort Cooper State Park is surrounded by hammocks of oak, magnolia, pine and hickory. Park visitors can enjoy the picnic facilities and playground under a hardwood hammock near the lake. Florida Caverns State Park From 1836 to 1842, the United States Army used the fort as a horse depot, a scouting post and a watering hole, after which time it was abandoned. From wading in the crystalline headwaters to canoeing, kayaking and tubing down river, visitors at Rainbow Springs enjoy a priceless jewel in the Florida park system. Gail can usually be found around the edge of Lake Holathlikaha at the park searching for birds. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Spring-fed and crystal-clear, the 160 acre lake lured battle-weary volunteers to its banks in 1836, where they built and defended a frontier fort. Fort Cooper State Park in Inverness | VISIT FLORIDA St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park With higher water levels, Lake Holathlikaha offers excellent fresh water swimming. St. Marks River Preserve State Park Contact the park office for more information. Fanning Springs State Park Absence of frequent natural fires has allowed invading oak hammocks to dominate this landscape. The park is named for Major Mark Anthony . Best Hikes and Trails in Fort Cooper State Park | AllTrails $5 per person, per night, plus tax. Three sites are available thatcan accommodate up to25 people and one smaller site for eight or fewer. Recreational hall with kitchen and gazebo - $175.96 per day (includes entrance fees for 20 vehicles and tax). A covered pavilion and barbecuepit are available for rent. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park Prices Scrub State Park In March of 1836, General Winfield Scott launched a campaign to surround the Seminoles in the cove with an army of 5,000 men. Experiences & Amenities | Florida State Parks 1 star. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Tensions grew and the U.S. government sent large numbers of troops to remove the Seminoles. Cayo Costa State Park Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but paddleboat and canoe rentals are available. 3100 Old Floral City Rd, Inverness, FL 34450, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Length 1.1 miElevation gain 22 ftRoute type Loop. Inverness, Florida 34450. Fort Cooper State Park Maps, Files | State Park HQ Manatee Springs State Park Ravine Gardens State Park FORT COOPER STATE PARK . Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance for youth groups and 30 days in advance for adult groups by calling the park directly. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown,365 days a year. To learn more, follow the Seminole Heritage Trail and visit the fort site on the Fort Site Trail. A covered BBQ pit is located nearby. In March of 1836, General Winfield Scott launched a campaign to surround the Seminoles in the cove with an army of 5,000 men. Map. Fort Cooper State Park. 66. Situated on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River, this center honors the memory of American composer Stephen Foster, who wrote "Old Folks at Home," the song that made the river famous. Touch for map. The park lies along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and is a favorite spot for bird lovers of all ages. There is a picnic table, grilland fire ring at each site. [1] Activities include fishing, swimming, sunbathing, youth camping, canoeing, hiking, boat tours, and nature viewing. FloridaStateParks.org. Crystal River Preserve State Park A reconstructed palisade marks the fort site and a re-enactment of the battles fought here is held each year in March. Curry Hammock State Park Pavilion - $106 per day (includes entrance fees for 20 vehicles and tax). (Park entrance fee required.). Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Explore the history of Floridas first people and the conflicts that eventually led to the battle at Fort Cooper. An annual reenactment event, known as "Fort Cooper Days", is held each March on the third weekend. Ann's Floral City Art Studio. Sightings of deer, turkey, opossum and bobcat are common. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Florida Outdoor Recreation Inventory (FORI) Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources. Suwannee River State Park Lovers Key State Park Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Approximately 5 miles of easy to moderate self-guided nature trails,including the Dogwood Trail, the Fort Site Trail and the Sandhill Loop Trail, meander through hammock and sandhill natural communities within the park. Visitorsare able to study a single panel to learn a segment of Seminole history or upon completing the entire trail will gain anoverview of Seminole life. Coopers priority was to build a protective fortification, aware that if a large Seminole force caught the soldiers out in the open, the entire command might be wiped out. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasuresor information in various places around the park. Fort Cooper State Park is located in a welcoming area of Inverness that travelers like for its coffeehouses and hiking. The Fort Cooper Seminole Heritage Trail outlines Florida Seminole lifestyle and culture in the Cove of the Withlacoochee Region. The park is named after Major Mark Anthony Cooper. The beach area accommodates volleyball, horseshoe, and playground activities. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 700 acres of canopy forests and nature trails tell the story of a land in conflict. 3100 S. Old Floral City Road Marshes, lakes and scrub provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. John Gorrie Museum State Park Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the picturesque picnic area near the lake. Wingate Creek State Park Escape the cold this winter and come enjoy all the the festivities with us here in the Sunshine State! 2 stars. For cyclists or walkers, the trail system connects with the Withlacoochee State Trail. Friends of Fort Cooper We have been working hard restoring the sandhill community through prescribed burns and hardwood removal. 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive/U.S. Fort Cooper State Park. River Rise Preserve State Park Big Talbot Island State Park They are permitted in the picnic area and on hiking trails. Entrance to the park from Withlacoochee State Trail. 2.4 mi State Parks. 41 on South Old Floral City Road. Fort Cooper was then utilized as a reconnaissance, observation and dispatch post until 1842 by various U.S. Army detachments until it was abandoned. The Seminole Heritage Trail at Fort Cooper State Park provides an opportunity for both seeing the park and learning its history. The park is a beautiful refuge for unusual plants and endangered species of animals. Dunnellon FL 34432, 6239 State Road 21 Orman House Historic State Park Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Bark Central Dog Park. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Fort Cooper was then utilized as a reconnaissance, observation and dispatch post until 1842 by various U.S. Army detachments until it was abandoned. The park consists of more than 700 acres of trails and wildlife and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Search reviews. Citrus County Speedway. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park History of Fort Cooper | Florida State Parks Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. Their defense was familiarity with the forests and swamps of the cove, where they could hide unseen and travel undetected. The Seminole warriors who attacked Fort Cooper needed no fortification. This is my favorite park to take my dog. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Lake Holathlikaha is popular for fishing and boating. Lake Holathlikaha is the heart of Fort Cooper State Park. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the picnic area overlooking Lake Holathlikaha. FORT COOPER STATE PARK. Park visitors also can enjoy the picnic facilities, a recreation hall, and primitive group campground. From 1836 to 1842, the United States Army used the fort as a horse depot, a scouting post and a watering hole, after which time it was abandoned. Florida state parks are open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). Tomoka State Park Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park Blue Spring State Park Bat Viewing. Parks. Inverness FL 34450. Fort Cooper State Park - Inverness, Florida - ExploreSouthernHistory.com A rustic building that has air conditioning, heat and a fireplace, the Recreation Hall can accommodate 50 to 60 people and comes equipped with folding tables and chairs. Set within the park, this is an ideal setting for a small wedding, family reunion, birthday party, baby shower or a fun business meeting. Time to be announced. George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park The park is also accessible from the Withlacoochee State Trail. San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park 5 stars. Lake Holathlikaha is popular for fishing and boating. It is located two miles (3km) south of Inverness, off of U.S. Hwy. We will meet at the Pavilion at. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park 8. 41 on South Old Floral City Road. The trail loops are well . Gazebo (if rented separately) - $106. San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park Fort Cooper State Park Hotels and Lodges As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers nearly five miles of self-guided trails with excellent bird and wildlife viewing. 3100 Old Floral City Road Inverness, FL, 34450, US, About us The Friends of Fort Cooper are a not-for-profit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) that was established in 1989 and consists of volunteers from our . On June 13, 1972, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places. Camp Helen State Park If you look closely at the pine trees, you will see the evidence of fire on the tree trunks. Today, it charms thousands of visitors each year with its unique blend of beauty and history. U.S. troops held the Seminoles at bay until Thomas Jesup took command of the war in December and began to drive the Seminoles out of the cove. Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. Bulow Creek State Park 1.9 mi Auto Racing Tracks. 3100 S Old Floral City Rd, The park and the lake are the perfect spot for the family to relax, hike, learn about nature, or learn about the rich history! Big Shoals State Park Although private boats are prohibited, canoes are available for rent when water levels and conditions permit. Fort Cooper State Park is located south of Inverness. Easy 4.2 (39) Fort Cooper State Park. Nestled under large shade trees is a pavilion that will accommodate between 60 to 70 people. In April 1836, Major Mark Anthony Cooper built a fort near Lake Holathlikahas edge to protect sick and wounded soldiers left behind during the Second Seminole War. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park 36. Welcome to Fort Cooper State Park. Located at parking lot #2 is a half-mile paved connection to theWithlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile paved multi-use trail. Ziggy's Haven Bird Sanctuary. The Lake Lodge / Recreation Hall is an ideal setting for small weddings and receptions. Please use the honor box to pay fees. page information credit:Florida State Parks, Friends of Fort Cooper, Hernando Sun, JacksonWalkerStudio.com There are trails through the Florida Horse Park and into the Cross Florida Greenway Trail system. Indian Key Historic State Park Avalon State Park Fort Clinch State Park 3100 S Old Floral City Rd, Music waffs through the air. Farther south along the old Fort King Military Road past Fort Cooper State Park, hidden away on the banks of the Hillsborough River near present-day Thonotosassa (pronounced tho-no . Pets are welcome in the park as long as they are on a six foot leash. Fort Cooper State Park. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Correct change is required. On June 13, 1972, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places. Fort Cooper Historical Marker Crystal River Archaeological State Park Savannas Preserve State Park Bahia Honda State Park St. Andrews State Park . Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park Learn more about Fort Cooper and the areas rich history through interpretive signs and by visiting the spot where the actual fort once stood, on a small hill overlooking the lake. Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Fort Cooper State Park is a 710-acre historic site in Inverness, Florida, United States. Picnic Pavilion and Recreation Hall Rental. Inverness, FL 34450 Seabranch Preserve State Park The dense marshy Cove of the Withlacoochee River was a key hideout for Seminole aligned forces. Bat Viewing Event at Fort Cooper State Park - NatureCoaster.com Fort Cooper State Park offers primitive camping for organized groups. For your safety, wear close-toed shoes for the. Although private boats are prohibited, canoes are available for rent when water levels and conditions permit. Pack your angling gear and a Florida fishing license and discover what you might catch along the shoreline or canoe inside Fort Cooper State Park. 3100 South Old Floral City Road. | Contact Us. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3100 South Old Floral City Road, Inverness FL 34450, United States of America. Rainbow Springs State Park For those keen hikers in the family, the park offers nearly five miles of self-guided trails. Wildlife at Fort Cooper State Park is abundant. Search reviews. The Friends of Fort Cooper are a not-for-profit Citizen Support Organization (CSO) that was established in 1989 and consists of volunteers from our community and from various walks of life. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. The inland woods feature hammocks of hickory, oak, magnolia and sweet gum. Fort Cooper State Park preserves the site of a log fort built in 1836 near the modern city of Inverness, Florida. All rides are guided to assure safety for rider and horse. You'll find 95 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base. Big Lagoon State Park Stump Pass Beach State Park The Seminole warriors who attacked Fort Cooper needed no fortification. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Barbecue pit - $5.30 . The park's diverse natural areas provide a refuge for many plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species. Contact the park for lake conditions. A few days after Scott departed, a force of several hundred Seminole warriors led by Osceola attacked. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park With over 700 acres of nature at its best, Fort Cooper offers a spot for relaxing, hiking, studying nature and learning about Florida's rich history. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Address. . 81st Place Road Fort Cooper was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 12, 1972. Their defense was familiarity with the forests and swamps of the cove, where they could hide unseen and travel undetected. Phone: 352.726.0315. Fort Cooper State Park Fort George Island Cultural State Park Today, the several thousand Seminole Indians who live in Florida are proud descendants of the fewer than 200 defiant warriors and their families who refused to give up the homeland they loved. In 1977, the site opened to the public as a state park. Fishing in Lake Holathlikaha is a popular activity; swimming is available only when the lake level is high enough. The fort was placed under siege by Seminole warriors for 16days, until Army relief troops broke the occupation. Contact the park for rental details. The Friends of Fort Cooper Park spend many days bedecking the land between the lake and the parking lot with bounteous lighted/animated reindeer, angels, snowmen, etc. The inland woods feature hammocks of hickory, oak, magnolia and sweet gum. Historical Sites Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park . Restrooms are available near the parking areas by the lake. Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Fort Cooper State Park: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This agreement required they give up their established farms and cattle ranches in North Florida and relocate to a 4 million acre reservation in the center of the peninsula - the Cove of the Withlacoochee. Copyright 2023, AmericasStateParks.org. Penny Wilson is a Florida native, born and raised in Inverness. The sparkling waters of Lake Holathlikaha were a welcome sight to sick and wounded soldiers during the Second Seminole War. Correct change is required. Fort Cooper State Park - funandsun.com The Seminoles declared they had no intention of leaving. Fort Cooper State Park - Florida RV Trade Association The park, named for Major Mark Anthony Cooper and his bravery here during the Second Seminole War, serves to preserve the memory of both sides who fought here. A fishing license is required. All Rights Reserved. Long Key State Park June. 33. If youre looking for a beautiful location for a special event look no further The rustic Lake Lodge and nearby gazebo offer stunning views of the area and are ideal for weddings and other special events. The trails offer some of Citrus counties best birding. In addition to being a good stop on the Seminole Trail, Fort Cooper State Park, located in Inverness north of Tampa, offers hiking, canoeing and nature observation. In September 1823, many Seminole leaders relented to the increasing government pressure of the time and signed the Treaty of Moultrie Creek. Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness Fort Cooper State Park Description. Lake Holathlikaha is popular for fishing and boating; although private boats are prohibited, canoes and kayaks are available for rent when water levels and conditions are optimal. The Seminole Heritage Trailis a series of four interpretive kiosks that provide insight into the lives of the Seminole people who lived in this area and the reason for Fort Cooper's construction. History of Fort Cooper. You must be signed in to save park lists. After a third and final war from 1855 to 1858, the last remaining Seminoles stayed hidden in the wilds of the Everglades. 1.7 mi Parks. Anastasia State Park Fort Pierce Inlet State Park 103. Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Fort Cooper State Park: Americas Parks 2022-12-13T19:18:08-05:00 December 13th, 2022 | 0 Comments. The centerpiece of this 700 acre State Park is Lake Holathlikaha which provides a perfect freshwater marsh environment for birds of all varieties including Limpkins, Whistling Ducks, Common and Purple Gallinules. As the trail nears the Fort Site it includes information about Treaties, Indian warriors, chiefs and leaders of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). Blackwater River State Park At sundown, we will watch as the bats leave their house for their nightly flight & meal. It functions as a citizen support organization (CSO) for Fort Cooper State Park. Staff Spotlight, Penny Wilson | Florida State Parks The site of Fort Cooper and the surrounding 710 acres became a state park in 1972 thanks to a forward-thinking resident of Citrus County who donated the landso that the ground where these important events in our states history took place could be preserved forever. Management Plans. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Friends of Fort Cooper meet at the Rec. During your visit you may see White-tailed Deer, Shermans Fox Squirrels, Gopher tortoises, wild turkey, opossum, bobcat, turtles, snakes and frogs. FORT COOPER STATE PARK . On June 13, 1972, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places. Due to the sensitive nature of the beach area, where endangered nesting and resting shorebirds or turtles can easily be disturbed, petsare not allowed here or in the water. PDF SM Florida state park. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park The siege continued, and as the forts provisions were running out, reinforcements finally arrived. Lake Holathlikaha is popular for fishing and boating; although private boats are prohibited, canoes and kayaks are available for rent when water levels and . Fort Cooper State Park. Correct change is required. Beverages such as hot cider and hot chocolate are served. FORT COOPER STATE PARK - 17 Photos - 3100 S Old Floral City Rd From the intersection with SR 44 at Cooter Pond, downtown, take US 41 south to Old Floral City Road. FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, Riverside Lodge Resort - Cabin Rentals & RV Park. Gold Head is located on rolling sandhills on the north central ridge of Florida with one of the few remaining examples of an old-growth stand of longleaf pines. They share one thing in common passion for parks. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Perdido Key State Park Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 20 min to complete. Hillsborough River State Park Five miles of woodland trails wind through a variety of different eco-tones where wintering passerines are seen in large numbers during the cooler months. With over 700 acres of nature at its best, Fort Cooper offers a spot for relaxing, hiking, studying nature and learning about Florida's rich history. Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park Enjoy Lake Holathilikaha and all it's natural beauty by canoe or paddle boat. In 1842, with only a few hundred defiant Seminoles still at large, the Second Seminole War was declared over. As the only full-time ranger at Fort Cooper State .
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