Paynes Creek Historic State Park, Peace River, Nature Tours

I visited my 77th Florida State park yesterday. Lots of history here in the middle of nowhere! During the 1840s, tensions between the settlers and Seminole Indians prompted authorities to establish a trading post in Florida's interior, away from settlements. In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built nearby as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. The fort was never attacked but was eventually abandoned due to mosquitoes and malaria. The constant resistance and conflict between the U.S and the Seminoles spurred the 3rd and final Seminole War (1855-58).

**Paynes Creek Historic State Park is located southwest of Orlando, Southeast of Tampa. Near Avon Park, Wauchula, Zolfo Springs, north of Arcadia, East of Bradenton, Sarasota. In the middle of nowhere in Florida.