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Old Fort Dallas

Official Directory of the City of Miami and Nearby Towns

1904

Old Fort Dallas

Old Fort Dallas was established in 1836 as an United States military post and cantonment, and not as a fortification, although it is more than probable that there was a stockade surrounding it in its early days. It was named in honor of Commodore Alex. James Dallas, U. S. N., then in command of the naval forces in the West Indies.

The first commandant was Lieutenant F. M. Powell, who remained in command about two years. From 1836 to 1857 it was occupied much of the time by troops, but was not a military reservation. Quite a number of buildings were erected, and today only two remain. In addition to these, there were a dozen comfortable dwellings besides the slave quarters, stables, and a blacksmith forge.

During the Civil War the place was occupied by refugees from many places, and at the close of the war by a hand of desperadoes. Judah P. Benjamin, of the Confederate camp, made his escape to Cuba through Indian River and Bay Biscayne. In describing the trip, he refers to the rough treatment he received at the hands of occupants of the fort, but, he added that it was a beautiful and picturesque spot, with its white houses and fine parade ground. The interior of the fort has been improved, and care has been taken to preserve the exterior unchanged.

Some of the buildings were razed to the ground and removed to other locations, and in 1872, while the property was occupied by Dr. Harris, all the remaining buildings except the two still standing were burned, the fire originating accidentally in the house occupied by Dr. Harris.

The old barracks are still untouched save by the hand of time, and the parade ground is more beautiful than ever, aided by the hand of the landscape gardener.

Source:
Excerpt from "Old Fort Dallas" Official Directory to the City of Miami and Nearby Towns, 1904.

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