During the start of the Second Seminole War, in 1835 the Seminole Indians captured and killed Major Francis Dade, an officer of the U.S. Army.  As a result of this incident the Seminole Indians became more and more aggressive. Andrew Jackson led his soldiers into Florida with the hope to subdue the angered Indians and as a direct result of this, a series of Forts were built to establish supply lines for the troops and to help protect west central Florida.  One of these forts, Fort Dade, named after Major Francis Dade, was thriving with troops that were fighting under the command of Major General Thomas S. Jesup. The fort was built at the intersection of Fort King Rd. and the Withlacoochee River, in order to protect the bridge that was there.  It was here, in 1837 that Jesup and five Seminole chiefs signed the Capitulation that eventually ended the war. The fort was burned in 1838, then rebuilt and occasionally it was reoccupied during the duration of the war. In 1845, things at the Fort began to settle down, however at least a dozen of plantations had popped up in the vicinity of the Fort, which is now known as Dade City, Florida. Fort Dade served its purpose again during World War I and World War II, but today the fort is literally crumbing into the sea, after hundreds of years of erosion. 

Dade City is not only the County Seat of Pasco County, Florida but it also serves as a commercial center for the surrounding areas. In the past, Dade City’s economy was focused mainly on the cattle and citrus industry.  Service and retail jobs seem to be more of the focus of employment, these days. With all of Dade City’s rolling hills, which alone is a sight not seen very often in Florida, nature appears to exist all around. With a city so full and rich with history, it seems only appropriate that Dade City celebrates these times.  In August, the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village host the annual Pioneer Days Festival. This festival brings to life the times of past so long forgotten with Civil War re-enactments, mock martial court, educational history exhibits and so much more. In addition to Pioneer Days, in January, Dade City celebrates the Kumquat Festival. This annual festival is a day of outdoor fun for the whole community, with live music, shopping and multitudes of food vendors exploring the many delicious ways to serve kumquats. With all of Dade City’s rolling hills, which alone is a sight not seen very often in Florida, nature appears to exist all around

Since 1987, Dade City, with the help of the Florida Main Street Program, (a program designed by the Florida Department of State’s Bureau of Historic Preservation to aid in repairing the deterioration of business districts’ small towns), has brought life and beauty back to the downtown city district of the community.  Downtown events such as Halloween on the Square and the Country Christmas Stroll, has brought the small town community feeling and public image back to Main St. 

Relocating to Dade City, Florida is ideal for those that want to escape the hustle and bustle of today’s world and take that step back and enjoy a much simpler way life. A life of close knit community, family picnics and annual festivals. A life in Dade City, Florida! 

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