Fort Foster State Historic Site

Fort Foster Historic Site

is part of the Hillsborough River State Park (HRSP), located 9 miles south of Zephyrhills, Florida, on U.S. 301 across from the park. The fort is a reproduction of a fort originally built on the same grounds in 1836 by Col. William S. Foster and his 430 men. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Foster was utilized during the Second Seminole War to defend the bridge crossing at the Hillsborough River and served as a resupply point for the soldiers in the field. The fort was garrisoned on and off from December 1836 through April 1838

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In recent years, park staff and re-enactors provided living history demonstrations of life at Fort Foster. Each year the site has presented living history events: Fort Foster Rendezvous in January and the Candlelight Dinner experience at Fort Foster during the winter months. The park staff has also conducted weekly tours of the park, allowing visitors the opportunity of touring the fort and grounds.​

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Interpretive Center

Accessible from Parking Lot 1 at Hillsborough River State Park, the Interpretive Center hosts over 100 artifacts that were found at the Fort Foster Historic Site. Exhibits offer an understanding of both sides of the conflict between the Seminole nation and the U.S. military. You can visit the Interpretive Center daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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Upcoming Events:

* Fort Foster Candlelight: December 12th & 13th, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.  $10 per person, (Kids 5 & under are FREE).

* Fort Foster Tours:  December 20th at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.  $2 per person payable at the Ranger Station.​

* Fort Foster Days Living History Event: February 13th, 14th & 15th, 2026.