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Fort Brooke was a historical military post situated on the east bank (at the mouth) of the Hillsborough River in present-day Tampa, Florida. The fort was established in 1824, soon after Florida was acquired by the United States from Spain. It was an important post during the Seminole Wars and of lesser importance during the United States Civil War. It was decommissioned in 1883, and the land was eventually sold to private interests.
Fort Brooke was located on what is now the southern end of downtown Tampa along the Garrison Channel. It stretched approximately from the current location of the Tampa Bay History Center on the east to the Tampa Convention Center on the west, and Amalie Arena, Cotanchobee/Fort Brooke Park, two large hotels, and other structures have been built in its footprint. Unmapped army and Seminole cemeteries along with many artifacts were discovered during various construction projects. The soldiers' remains were re-interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, the native remains were transferred to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the artifacts were given to the Tampa Bay History Center and other institutions for research and preservation.
Absolutely loved the history center. Lots to see and read relating to Tampa Bay. Not being from the area it was very educational. The exhibits were all clean, working, brightly colored and many were interactive. We stayed a couple of hours. We peeked at the exhibit opening soon on the third floor and the full size pirate ship looked really neat. Can't wait to go back and check it out.
Brianna EmgeDec 5, 2017
There's really not that much to see there. But if you're in downtown Tampa and have two hours to kill then definitely try this place. It is mostly consisted of exhibits specifically made to be displayed at the center, and not displaying actual artifacts. Keep in mind that IT IS NOT A MUSEUM! They have a couple of shows. I only got to check out one of them. It was about a native Indian chief and I really liked it. All in All it's a good spot to spend 1-2 hours near the Tampa Riverwalk, learn about Tampa's old and modern history with colorful visual displays and in a casual setting. *NOTE: show your student ID for discounts
Karim KhalifehJan 13, 2018
Extremely interesting. We were there for three hours and it wasn't enough time. If you really enjoy museums allow yourself plenty of time.
Gary PurnellFeb 27, 2018
Very informative and relaxing. Some place to go when you want to learn some more about Florida and want to walk around. I would go again.
Joshua HallFeb 3, 2018
Great and relaxing place for history. Right by the river walk and downtown so it makes it even more beautiful.
Erick DanielFeb 25, 2018
Nice place for an afternoon. Bring eyeglass cleaner, you'll be reading a lot. The map room is amazing. And I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to see the beautiful sewing and quilt work on display.
Sara MelucciApr 5, 2018
This beautiful museum is great for learning about the history of Tampa and the native people who lived in the area before the Europeans arrived. The videos are well done and the other visuals add to the flavor of what Tampa Bay once was and what it has become.
Edgar SelfApr 23, 2018
Nice place. They could use some more exhibits or something. Seems like a lot of wasted space. Needs a refresher
Chris VarleyMar 20, 2018
Wonderful place for the family. More so for kids ages 8 & up. My kids are 10 and 11 and they loved it. So much information about Florida to learn about with different mediums to learn by. Awesome set up and displays. We loved the new explorer "pirates" floor!
Erica AgudeloMay 23, 2018
Really enjoyed my visit. Great staff. Not too busy so really got to take my time to enjoy their exhibits. Great for a rainy day! Great bar on the boardwalk!
Mark McPikeJun 1, 2018
I will not be happy until the Tampa History Center recognizes Babe Zaharias as a truely historical legend in the advancement of women in sports. It is abysmal that she in not among the figures hanging from the ceiling. A strawberry? Really? This is not Plant City. The handicap access to this public building also horrible, but go to the closed gate...ring the buzzer and insist on garage access. I paid a dude $20 to move his car on another occaision. Go because the Columbia has a cafe in there. Otherwise, I think the history center should free to the general public.
Debra McCormackMay 30, 2018
Pretty cool place if you are into local history. It felt like it is a newer museum (or at least recently remodel). When we visited they had a unique pirate excibit. While up there, make sure you check out the crows next balcony they have available.
berthiousJul 7, 2018
Had such a wonderful time. Learned about the rich history of Tampa Bay and was so impressed by the exhibits. It was a great learning opportunity for my toddler. Plus being able to have lunch at The Colombia on site was a bonus.
Anna Aponte LollarJun 22, 2018
So much fun, a great way to spend a few hours. The pirate display on the top floor is great. The timeline displays are set up so you can check out what is of interest to you, and breeze past other items as time allows.
DJ Chuck JohnsonJun 11, 2018
Spent a lovely time with my family. We even ate at the restaurant. If you decide to eat there be prepared to wait. The service was slow but the food was good.
Elias Amaro JrJul 6, 2018
The flag exhibit was amazing! My fiance and I both went on the Fourth of July, and the price was discounted to 5.00. It was an awesome experience with lots of things to see. The two minimal negatives are as follows. 1) They do not validate parking. You can park at one of the local garages for a small fee. 2) I would say this museum is more teenage to adult friendly. If you have small children they could get bored, even though they have tried to include exhibits for children to do there.
Ian StodardJul 11, 2018
Great little museum ! Bring your kids and out of town friends and family. It's very small and manageable. Having the Columbia restaurant and a gift shop on site are pluses. There is a park right outside the door. Highly recommended.
Marta NazarioJul 28, 2018
First trip to this museum was great! We even got to use a Family Adventure backpack. You don't keep it, however, the goodies inside were extra ways to have fun with my girls. The museum is very interactive for the whole family. We were not able to see everything so return visits will happen. Things we missed: video presentations, a more detailed look around, and The Columbia Resturant. There's a small splash pad, play ground, and areas to bike. Great for picnic days!
stephanie chiaramonteAug 5, 2018
Absolutely loved the history center. Lots to see and read relating to Tampa Bay. Not being from the area it was very educational. The exhibits were all clean, working, brightly colored and many were interactive. We stayed a couple of hours. We peeked at the exhibit opening soon on the third floor and the full size pirate ship looked really neat. Can't wait to go back and check it out.
Brianna EmgeDec 5, 2017
There's really not that much to see there. But if you're in downtown Tampa and have two hours to kill then definitely try this place. It is mostly consisted of exhibits specifically made to be displayed at the center, and not displaying actual artifacts. Keep in mind that IT IS NOT A MUSEUM! They have a couple of shows. I only got to check out one of them. It was about a native Indian chief and I really liked it. All in All it's a good spot to spend 1-2 hours near the Tampa Riverwalk, learn about Tampa's old and modern history with colorful visual displays and in a casual setting. *NOTE: show your student ID for discounts
Karim KhalifehJan 13, 2018
Extremely interesting. We were there for three hours and it wasn't enough time. If you really enjoy museums allow yourself plenty of time.
Gary PurnellFeb 27, 2018
Very informative and relaxing. Some place to go when you want to learn some more about Florida and want to walk around. I would go again.
Joshua HallFeb 3, 2018
Great and relaxing place for history. Right by the river walk and downtown so it makes it even more beautiful.
Erick DanielFeb 25, 2018
Nice place for an afternoon. Bring eyeglass cleaner, you'll be reading a lot. The map room is amazing. And I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to see the beautiful sewing and quilt work on display.
Sara MelucciApr 5, 2018
This beautiful museum is great for learning about the history of Tampa and the native people who lived in the area before the Europeans arrived. The videos are well done and the other visuals add to the flavor of what Tampa Bay once was and what it has become.
Edgar SelfApr 23, 2018
Nice place. They could use some more exhibits or something. Seems like a lot of wasted space. Needs a refresher
Chris VarleyMar 20, 2018
Wonderful place for the family. More so for kids ages 8 & up. My kids are 10 and 11 and they loved it. So much information about Florida to learn about with different mediums to learn by. Awesome set up and displays. We loved the new explorer "pirates" floor!
Erica AgudeloMay 23, 2018
Really enjoyed my visit. Great staff. Not too busy so really got to take my time to enjoy their exhibits. Great for a rainy day! Great bar on the boardwalk!
Mark McPikeJun 1, 2018
I will not be happy until the Tampa History Center recognizes Babe Zaharias as a truely historical legend in the advancement of women in sports. It is abysmal that she in not among the figures hanging from the ceiling. A strawberry? Really? This is not Plant City. The handicap access to this public building also horrible, but go to the closed gate...ring the buzzer and insist on garage access. I paid a dude $20 to move his car on another occaision. Go because the Columbia has a cafe in there. Otherwise, I think the history center should free to the general public.
Debra McCormackMay 30, 2018
Pretty cool place if you are into local history. It felt like it is a newer museum (or at least recently remodel). When we visited they had a unique pirate excibit. While up there, make sure you check out the crows next balcony they have available.
berthiousJul 7, 2018
Had such a wonderful time. Learned about the rich history of Tampa Bay and was so impressed by the exhibits. It was a great learning opportunity for my toddler. Plus being able to have lunch at The Colombia on site was a bonus.
Anna Aponte LollarJun 22, 2018
So much fun, a great way to spend a few hours. The pirate display on the top floor is great. The timeline displays are set up so you can check out what is of interest to you, and breeze past other items as time allows.
DJ Chuck JohnsonJun 11, 2018
Spent a lovely time with my family. We even ate at the restaurant. If you decide to eat there be prepared to wait. The service was slow but the food was good.
Elias Amaro JrJul 6, 2018
The flag exhibit was amazing! My fiance and I both went on the Fourth of July, and the price was discounted to 5.00. It was an awesome experience with lots of things to see. The two minimal negatives are as follows. 1) They do not validate parking. You can park at one of the local garages for a small fee. 2) I would say this museum is more teenage to adult friendly. If you have small children they could get bored, even though they have tried to include exhibits for children to do there.
Ian StodardJul 11, 2018
Great little museum ! Bring your kids and out of town friends and family. It's very small and manageable. Having the Columbia restaurant and a gift shop on site are pluses. There is a park right outside the door. Highly recommended.
Marta NazarioJul 28, 2018
First trip to this museum was great! We even got to use a Family Adventure backpack. You don't keep it, however, the goodies inside were extra ways to have fun with my girls. The museum is very interactive for the whole family. We were not able to see everything so return visits will happen. Things we missed: video presentations, a more detailed look around, and The Columbia Resturant. There's a small splash pad, play ground, and areas to bike. Great for picnic days!
stephanie chiaramonteAug 5, 2018
Absolutely loved the history center. Lots to see and read relating to Tampa Bay. Not being from the area it was very educational. The exhibits were all clean, working, brightly colored and many were interactive. We stayed a couple of hours. We peeked at the exhibit opening soon on the third floor and the full size pirate ship looked really neat. Can't wait to go back and check it out.
Brianna EmgeDec 5, 2017
There's really not that much to see there. But if you're in downtown Tampa and have two hours to kill then definitely try this place. It is mostly consisted of exhibits specifically made to be displayed at the center, and not displaying actual artifacts. Keep in mind that IT IS NOT A MUSEUM! They have a couple of shows. I only got to check out one of them. It was about a native Indian chief and I really liked it. All in All it's a good spot to spend 1-2 hours near the Tampa Riverwalk, learn about Tampa's old and modern history with colorful visual displays and in a casual setting. *NOTE: show your student ID for discounts
Karim KhalifehJan 13, 2018
Extremely interesting. We were there for three hours and it wasn't enough time. If you really enjoy museums allow yourself plenty of time.
Gary PurnellFeb 27, 2018
Very informative and relaxing. Some place to go when you want to learn some more about Florida and want to walk around. I would go again.
Joshua HallFeb 3, 2018
Great and relaxing place for history. Right by the river walk and downtown so it makes it even more beautiful.
Erick DanielFeb 25, 2018
Nice place for an afternoon. Bring eyeglass cleaner, you'll be reading a lot. The map room is amazing. And I was pleasantly surprised and delighted to see the beautiful sewing and quilt work on display.
Sara MelucciApr 5, 2018
This beautiful museum is great for learning about the history of Tampa and the native people who lived in the area before the Europeans arrived. The videos are well done and the other visuals add to the flavor of what Tampa Bay once was and what it has become.
Edgar SelfApr 23, 2018
Nice place. They could use some more exhibits or something. Seems like a lot of wasted space. Needs a refresher
Chris VarleyMar 20, 2018
Wonderful place for the family. More so for kids ages 8 & up. My kids are 10 and 11 and they loved it. So much information about Florida to learn about with different mediums to learn by. Awesome set up and displays. We loved the new explorer "pirates" floor!
Erica AgudeloMay 23, 2018
Really enjoyed my visit. Great staff. Not too busy so really got to take my time to enjoy their exhibits. Great for a rainy day! Great bar on the boardwalk!
Mark McPikeJun 1, 2018
I will not be happy until the Tampa History Center recognizes Babe Zaharias as a truely historical legend in the advancement of women in sports. It is abysmal that she in not among the figures hanging from the ceiling. A strawberry? Really? This is not Plant City. The handicap access to this public building also horrible, but go to the closed gate...ring the buzzer and insist on garage access. I paid a dude $20 to move his car on another occaision. Go because the Columbia has a cafe in there. Otherwise, I think the history center should free to the general public.
Debra McCormackMay 30, 2018
Pretty cool place if you are into local history. It felt like it is a newer museum (or at least recently remodel). When we visited they had a unique pirate excibit. While up there, make sure you check out the crows next balcony they have available.
berthiousJul 7, 2018
Had such a wonderful time. Learned about the rich history of Tampa Bay and was so impressed by the exhibits. It was a great learning opportunity for my toddler. Plus being able to have lunch at The Colombia on site was a bonus.
Anna Aponte LollarJun 22, 2018
So much fun, a great way to spend a few hours. The pirate display on the top floor is great. The timeline displays are set up so you can check out what is of interest to you, and breeze past other items as time allows.
DJ Chuck JohnsonJun 11, 2018
Spent a lovely time with my family. We even ate at the restaurant. If you decide to eat there be prepared to wait. The service was slow but the food was good.
Elias Amaro JrJul 6, 2018
The flag exhibit was amazing! My fiance and I both went on the Fourth of July, and the price was discounted to 5.00. It was an awesome experience with lots of things to see. The two minimal negatives are as follows. 1) They do not validate parking. You can park at one of the local garages for a small fee. 2) I would say this museum is more teenage to adult friendly. If you have small children they could get bored, even though they have tried to include exhibits for children to do there.
Ian StodardJul 11, 2018
Great little museum ! Bring your kids and out of town friends and family. It's very small and manageable. Having the Columbia restaurant and a gift shop on site are pluses. There is a park right outside the door. Highly recommended.
Marta NazarioJul 28, 2018
First trip to this museum was great! We even got to use a Family Adventure backpack. You don't keep it, however, the goodies inside were extra ways to have fun with my girls. The museum is very interactive for the whole family. We were not able to see everything so return visits will happen. Things we missed: video presentations, a more detailed look around, and The Columbia Resturant. There's a small splash pad, play ground, and areas to bike. Great for picnic days!
stephanie chiaramonteAug 5, 2018
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.