Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Park Historic battlefield marking 1835 Dade Massacre site
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park marks the 1835 clash between U.S. troops and Seminole fighters; visitors tour the interpretive center, walk battlefield trails and attend periodic reenactments and living-history programs.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park preserves the site of the December 28, 1835 engagement between U.S. troops and Seminole warriors that became known as the Dade Massacre. The event is considered a key opening battle of the Second Seminole War.
The park includes a visitor center with interpretive exhibits about the battle and the war, marked trails across the preserved battlefield, and living-history reenactments held annually. The setting is arranged to interpret the military action and its regional impacts.
The engagement took place in late 1835 when a detachment of U.S. troops traveling through central Florida was ambushed; the site has been retained for commemoration and education about that period of Florida history.
The park is located in Sumter County in central Florida, near the town of Bushnell and accessible from regional roads serving interior Florida.
- Historic engagement date: The site marks the December 28, 1835 engagement known as the Dade Massacre, an opening conflict of the Second Seminole War.
- Visitor center and reenactment: An on-site visitor center offers exhibits on the battle and the broader context of the Second Seminole War, and annual living-history events recreate the 1835 engagement.
How to Get to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park #
The park is located near Bushnell, Florida. From I-75 take local roads toward Bushnell and follow signs to Dade Battlefield State Historic Site (US-301 and county routes provide access).
Tips for Visiting Dade Battlefield Historic State Park #
- Read the interpretive signs before walking the battlefield - they contextualize the November 1835 engagement and its consequences.
- Visit in the cooler months; Florida summers are oppressive and the battlefield offers little shade.
- Bring insect repellent - the low scrub and wet depressions shelter mosquitoes.
Best Time to Visit Dade Battlefield Historic State Park #
Winter and the shoulder seasons are best for comfort and walking the historic grounds.
Weather & Climate near Dade Battlefield Historic State Park #
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1293 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (189 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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