Historic Fort Gatlin in Orlando Faces Sale: A Chance for a Park?

Gatlin Avenue, Orlando, Florida, USA - As the iconic Fort Gatlin prepares to be put on the market, a wave of nostalgia and historical reflection sweeps through Orlando. Situated two miles southeast of the city, this historic site dates back to 1838 and has witnessed the tumultuous history of Florida, serving as both an outpost and, later, the county seat of Orange County. The property is currently owned by the Orange County School Board, which has announced plans to sell it within 60 days, with a starting bid of $1,400,000, according to MyNews13.

What lies ahead for the future of Fort Gatlin? Some local residents, with a rich sense of community history, are advocating for its transformation into a public park. This proposal aims to preserve the site’s historical significance as many nearby homeowners feel it represents an important part of Orlando’s identity. Tina Siders, a local resident of 35 years, passionately supports this idea, surveying neighbors and discovering that 60% of respondents favor creating a gated historical park. Only 35% expressed support for new single-family homes on the property, while a mere 5% had other preferences.

A Glimpse into the Past

Established by the Federal Government during the First Seminole War, Fort Gatlin was named after Dr. John S. Gatlin, who tragically lost his life in the Dade massacre of 1835. According to Genealogy Trails, this fort played a crucial role in early settler conflicts and was constructed strategically to overlook three lakes frequented by the Seminole Indians.

The fort was completed by the U.S. Army under Lieutenant Colonel Alexander C.W. Fanning and was a crude stockade equipped with a storehouse and artillery. Initially, it served to protect settlers and was attacked multiple times by the Seminoles during attempts to reclaim their land. By 1856, Fort Gatlin had transformed into the county seat of Orange County, which had broken away from Mosquito County just a year earlier. The establishment of the town of Orlando followed shortly after, named in honor of a militiaman killed during the Second Seminole War, as detailed in Legends of America.

Looking Forward

The Orange County School Board is currently giving local residents a unique opportunity. They have extended the sale deadline, inviting the community to propose alternatives for the preservation of the property. Facilities Program Director Jad Brewer indicated that their goal is to explore all possibilities for the site, including its potential as a historical park. However, if no agreement is reached, the board has received permission from the State Historic Preservation office to either sell or demolish the unoccupied school administration building that has remained unused for three years.

As the clock ticks down to the looming sale date, the fate of Fort Gatlin hangs in the balance. Will it be transformed into a cherished green space that honors the past, or will development win out? Residents like Siders and Mark Pooser, a member of a historical group active in the 1990s, reflect a community spirit keen on preserving their heritage. Their voices may well shape what’s next for this slice of Orlando’s history.

In the end, preserving Fort Gatlin as a historical park might not just honor its significance; it could also protect a piece of Orlando’s story for generations to come.