Fort Shannon
N 29° 38.849 W 081° 37.819
17R E 438993 N 3279890
Quick Description: Located in Palatka, Florida Ft Shannon was a key security point along the St Johns River during the Seminole Indian Wars.
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 10/27/2007 1:17:35 PM
Waymark Code: WM2FV1
Views: 47
Long Description:
The infusion of American settlers, however, created hostility among
the Seminole people. When the government attempted to relocate the
tribe starting in 1833, the Second Seminole War began. Pilatka was
attacked and burned in 1835. Recognizing the site's strategic
importance for control of the St. Johns River, the main artery into
Central Florida, the military in 1838 established Fort Shannon,
named for Captain Samuel Shannon. It included a garrison, supply
depot and hospital. During 1842 the Seminole were driven from the
area, and consequently Fort Shannon was abandoned by the army in
1843. But the piers and buildings it had erected (including 8
blockhouses, 5 of which burned in a fire of 1855) would spur
development of the town.
Text of the marker:
Established in May, 1838, this fort was one of the major
quartermaster depots in Florida during the Second Seminole War. It
operated under Gen. William J. Worth until he assumed command of
the armies in Florida. Military facilities included a hospital,
barracks, blockhouses, and stables for more than 400 horses. During
the fort's existence, Palatka was military in appearance and under
military control.
Marker Number: FL 51
Date: 1961
County: Putnam
Marker Type: Roadside
Sponsored or placed by: Palatak Junior Chamber of Commerce
Website: Not listed
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