This geocache is part of the Historic Trail of GeoTour – Sebring Area Florida’s Hidden Gem (GT48D). Visit https://visitsebring.com/activities/geocaching/ for complete information. Print off passport from link provided and log codewords from each geocache part of the GeoTour to obtain a free trackable coin. Please be mindful of vegetation around the area.
The original Fort Basinger's site is approximately 35 miles west of Fort Pierce. It had with two blockkhouses built by the US Army in 1837. Fort Basinger was one military outposts built during the Second Seminole War to help Colonel Zachary Taylor's troops to confront and capture Seminole Indians and their allies Lake Okeechobee region. The Seminole Indians as well as their allies resisted the forced removal to federal territory as directed by the Indian Removal Act. Fort Basinger is named after William Elon Basinger. On December 28, 1835 the detachment of 8 officers, including Lt. Basinger, and 100 troops from Fort King to Tampa was ambushed by Chief Micanopy and Chief John Jumper led a group of Seminole Indians. Lt. Basinger was the last officer killed, and only two soldiers. The battle became known as Dade's Massacre and it launched the Second Seminole War