Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park

The Addison Blockhouse stands as a powerful testament to Florida's tumultuous frontier history, dating back to the Second Seminole War in the mid-19th century. Constructed in the 1830s, the blockhouse was part of a series of defensive structures built to protect early settlers during conflicts with Seminole Native Americans. Named after Colonel John Addison, an early settler and plantation owner, the site represents a complex chapter of Florida's colonial and territorial period, where land, culture, and survival were constantly in conflict.

The blockhouse survived multiple historical challenges, including the intense warfare of the Seminole Wars and the subsequent periods of Florida's development. It serves as a tangible reminder of the challenging relationships between Native Americans, settlers, and the emerging American territorial system. The preservation of this site offers visitors a unique window into the harsh realities of frontier life and the complex interactions that shaped Florida's early history.