Florida has a rich and diverse history.  African American landmarks and legacies exist in various locations throughout the state. The following historical sites can be found in Sumter County.  While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked "private" and are not open to the public.

 


Bushnell
Dade Battlefield State Park
Off State Road 476 West Highway 301
Louise Pacheco (Patio), a Negro slave and interpreter for Major Francis L. Dade, was one of only four survivors of the Dade Massacre. The 1835 battle marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War, the most protracted and costly of the nation’s Indian wars. (352) 793-4781.


Wildwood
Community of Royal / Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
390 East Highway 462
When slavery was abolished in 1865, the Royal community was founded by former slaves from the old Green Plantation located near the Withlacoochee River. Moving further inland to farm for themselves, the former slaves built log cabin homes and dug wells for water. The community was called Picketsville because of the white picket fences designating each 40-, 80- or 120-acre homestead. In 1875, the Reverend Alfred Brown built the first church, Ebenezer AME Church. Four churches have been built on the property, two wooden and two block. The present structure was completed in 1977. The site is now home of the Royal Volunteer Fire Department and the Royal Community Center/Library. (352) 748-4484.

Adapted from Florida Black Heritage Trail, published by the Florida Department of State, in partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, copyright 2007. For more information on African American sites, please visit flheritage.com.Additional information can also be found at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/milesmedia/floridablackheritage/