[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 57 (Monday, April 26, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H2301-H2302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FORT KING BILL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce a bill of historical 
importance. My home, Ocala, Florida, is home to Fort King. This Fort 
played a direct role in the founding of Florida as a state.

[[Page H2302]]

  On December 28, 1835, Fort King was the site of an outbreak of 
hostilities between the United States Government and the Seminole 
Indians. The Seminoles, were led in this attack by Chief Osceola. This 
attack began the Second Seminole War, which lasted longer than any 
other United States armed conflict, except for the Vietnam War.
  Fort King and the surrounding area contain artifacts used in the 
attack and in the life of the Seminole Indians. This bill would help 
preserve Seminole history in Florida.
  My bill authorizes a study by the Interior Department to identify a 
means of preserving and developing Fort King.
  Preserving our past for our children and grandchildren is imperative. 
Fort King is a historical gem that should be accessible to all. I hope 
my colleagues will join me in supporting this important, historical 
bill.

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