Step Back into Sumter County’s History

Visit the beautiful Baker House, built in 1890 by Senator David H. Baker. This two-story house is framed by large oak trees covered with Spanish moss, creating a perfect old Florida experience. The beautiful stained glass window depicts the four seasons, while the new bathroom (installed in the 1920s) highlights how even historic homes have modern additions. This house has supported six generations of Bakers and is a wonderful spot to tour — especially during the Christmas season. 

Location: 6106 C 44A, Wildwood, FL 34785

Phone Number: (352) 461-0134

An important historical marker commemorates the community of Royal, one of Florida’s oldest African American communities. It was founded in 1865 by freedmen who received land after the Civil War. At one point, it was also called “Picketsville” because of the white picket fences lining each of the 40-acre plots. 

Location: 9569 County Road 235, Wildwood, FL 34785

Phone Number: (352) 748-0260

Sumter County was created in 1853, and Sumterville was designated the county seat in 1858. The county seat moved several times through its history and is currently located in Bushnell. However, it is still worth stopping by the Sumterville Community Center and Historical Site, to learn about this unique chapter in the county’s history.

Location: US 301 & County Road 522, Sumterville, FL 33585

Phone Number: (352) 689-4400

This state park commemorates Dade’s Battle, one of the longest and most costly fights between settlers and Indigenous people in American history. The battle occurred in 1835, and the park was established to remember the events in 1921. More than 2,000 visitors attend the Dade’s Battle reenactment in January, but the grounds are beautiful year-round.

Stop by the visitor center to grab a map and explore the small museum related to the battle. There is also a 12-minute video to gain context about the sites you are about to see. Many of the docents and staff at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Location: 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell, FL 33513

Phone Number: (352) 793-4781

This cemetery is open daily, from sunrise to sunset. It is the burial place for active-duty soldiers killed in action, and honorably discharged veterans from various wars and branches of the armed forces. It is also the resting place of the spouses and children of some of the veterans buried here.  

The Florida National Cemetary is located in the Withlacoochee State Forest. The first internment was in 1988, and various memorials have been placed throughout the cemetery since.

Visit the Florida National Cemetary website for a list of notable persons, and to learn more about what you can expect during your visit. 

Location: 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513

Phone Number: (352) 739-7740

Fort Armstrong was built half a mile from Dade’s Battle, making it an ideal next stop on your history itinerary. In 1836, a group of 2,500 soldiers attacked 500 to 600 Indigenous warriors in the Wahoo Swamp. The attack was so poorly designed and mishandled, that the American soldiers admitted defeat, and the leading commander, Brigadier General Richard Keith Call, was relieved of his command. As a result, the U.S. Army built Fort Armstrong as a stronghold in the area. You can stop by this historical marker to learn more.    

Location: C 476 W (near County Road 603), Bushnell, FL 33513

This is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Sumter County. The courthouse was built in Bushnell between 1912 and 1914. It was listed in “A Guide to Florida’s Historic Architecture,” published by the University of Florida Press. It is still an active courthouse today.

Location: 215 E. McCollum Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513

Phone Number: (352) 569-1520

Stop by the historic marker for the town of Pilaklikaha, which was established in 1813, by Black Seminoles. The name translates to “many ponds” in the Mikasuki language. It was one of the most prosperous Black Seminole towns in Florida, home to more than 100 individuals at its peak. Many of the Black Seminoles were former slaves who escaped to Florida.

Location: CR 567 just east of FL 471

The best way to visit various Sumter County historical sites is to drive along the Scenic Byway. You will love the winding roads and tree-lined streets that bring you back to the old Florida days. During the spring, you might enjoy whiffs of orange blossoms as you drive past floral groves.

The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway website has maps you can download to find additional historic sites, which will enhance your historic itinerary in this region.

If you are interested in learning more about the Second Seminole War in Sumter County, stop by the Wahoo Community Building. This event space quickly fills up with various private events and public meetings. However, there are also historical markers and notes that tell the story of this massacre, and the lessons learned from it.

Location: 6780 C 48 W, Bushnell, FL 33513

Phone Number: (352) 689-4400