Fort Dallas was a military base during the Seminole Wars on the banks of the Miami River in what is now Downtown Miami, Florida, United States. History Old Fort Dallas was established on the plantation of Richard Fitzpatrick and William English in 1836 as a United States military post and cantonment in southern Florida during the Seminole Wars. In 1836, the U.S. Navy established patrols on Biscayne Bay to prevent trading between the Seminoles and traders from Cuba or the West Indies. Fort Dallas was established to support the Navy's efforts, but more pointedly, "for the purpose of harassing the enemy." It was named in honor of Commodore Alexander James Dallas, United States Navy, then in command of the United States naval forces in the West Indies. The first commandant was Lieutenant F. M. Powell, who remained in command for about two years. Another noteworthy commander was U.S. Army Colonel William S. Harney (1839–1840) of the 2nd Dragoons who led an attack against Seminole chief Chakaika in 1840. 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 ten barracks, slave quarters, stables, and a blacksmith forge. During the tumultuous Seminole Wars, Fort Dallas provided the nervous Miami River settlers with a sense of security during the hostilities and soldiers from the fort contributed to the development of the area. These infrastructure expansions included a hospital, a road from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, and a trading post. Fort Dallas remained in Union hands during the American Civil War and was abandoned afterward. During the war, the place was occupied by refugees from many places, and at the close of the war by a band of desperadoes. Judah P. Benjamin, who served as Attorney General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State for the Confederacy, 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. When the soldiers left, the fort became the base for