Fort Gadsden in Apalachicola National Forest

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The landscape of Apalachicola National Forest

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Franklin County's African American landmarks

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 Franklin County.  While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked "private" and are not open to the public.

Sumatra
Fort Gadsden, Apalachicola National Forest
Forest Road 129-B, West of State Highway 65
In 1814 the fort, located 50 miles from the then-U.S. boundary, served as a base for the recruitment of Indians and blacks fleeing slavery in Georgia and the Carolinas. After the fort was abandoned by the English in 1815, Andrew Jackson constructed Fort Scott on the opposing side of the Apalachicola River. Once completed in 1816, Fort Scott’s first order of business was to destroy the Negro Fort, as the English fort had come to be known. All but 30 of the 300 inhabitants died in the attack, and Fort Gadsden was constructed on its site. Fort Gadsden and the remains of the Negro Fort are found in the wilderness of the Apalachicola National Forest. Both are National Historic Landmarks, maintained by the U. S. Forest Service, with exhibits and artifact displays. (850) 523-8500.

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/