League of Paranormal Investigators.

Fort Dallas
LPI Florida - April 2008

The William English residence, a manor-style house, was originally built in the late 1800s to house his slaves. This "Slave House", later known as Fort Dallas, was consequently used by the US Army during the Second Seminole war.

First accounts of its location were acquired from Lieutenant L.M. Powell of the United States Navy when he landed at the mouth of the Miami river in the summer of 1936. The lieutenant went on to build wooden houses and other structures nearby in order to house his troops Captain L.B. Webber of the United States Artillery, after arriving in 1938, called the site Fort Dallas after Commodore James Dallas of the United States Navy. The buildings were built in 1845 by the United States Government during the Indian Seminole War.

After the Seminole war, the fort was left alone and was demolished by the Native Indians. The Fort was brought back into action in 1849; yet, both buildings were in great disrepair. After the Third Seminole War in 1958 all troops were withdrawn for the last time.

Situated opposite the barracks was a natural limestone house which is also part of Fort Dallas. At the time, a Mr. J.W. Ewan, a former state senator, occupied the site.

In 1890 Julia Tuttle took over the building and used the building as a storehouse and workshop. After its renovation, which included the addition of a kitchen, Mrs. Tuttle converted the fort into a dwelling. The barracks is were then used as office space and sleeping quarters.

In 1910 Harry Tuttle bought the property and added extra rooms to the main house.

History of Fort Dallas

As a historical property Fort Dallas can be found at its current location in Lummus park in Downtown Miami near the Miami River.

Historical Timeline

1835 - Second Seminole War

Start of the Second Seminole War.

1836-1938 - Fort Dallas

Fort Dallas was built by the United States Government during the Indian war. The early buildings were wooden block huts.

1848 - Building Stone Structure

William English built the Manor House which stood west of the slave quarters building which is preserved in Lummus Park and known as the William English Slave Plantation House/Fort Dallas.

1842 - Second Seminole War

Second Seminole War ended.

1855 - Third Seminole War

Start of the Third Seminole War.

1855 - Suicide

A Native American Chai committed suicide rather than serve again against his fellow Native Americans in the Third Seminole War.

1855 - Stores around the Fort

Around this year there were three stores operating in the area. George Ferguson’s, Dr. William Fletcher’s and a settler's store in Fort Dallas run by Captain Sinclair and William Wagner.

1858 - End Third Seminole War

End of the Third Seminole War.

1873 - Fourth Seminole War...

The word spread that the Indians where preparing another attack. At this time Fort Dallas was owned by Dr. J. V. Harris. It turned out to be a false alarm and a peace treaty was signed.

???? - 1891 - Mr. J.W. Ewan

Mr. J.W. Ewan took residence at Fort Dallas until it was sold to Mrs. Julia Tuttle.

1891 - Mrs. Julia Tuttle

Mrs. Julia Tuttle bought Fort Dallas. Julia envisioned a city at the river and bought 644 acres. Julia is called the Mother of Miami.

September 14, 1898 - Mrs. Julia Tuttle dies

Mrs. Julia Tuttle died at Fort Dallas and is buried at the Miami City Cemetery (1800 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami).

Julia’s grave is in the middle of the Cemetery buried beside some of her family members.

1925 - Moved to Lummus Park

The Plantation Slave House/Fort Dallas was moved to its current location in Lummus Park.

Fort Dallas

During this investigation we collected psychic impressions and scientific based evidence. Our findings are mainly based on the scientific evidence and we did not find enough evidence to declare the property haunted.

Psychic Impressions:
A 'Tea Lady' was detected in the room. No explanation was given for this name; however, the impression was right after the sound of footsteps in lady’s dress shoes (heels) were heard and recorded in the center of the room.
Later the impression of glass clanging was reported by another investigator.
An energy, possibly a young black man, calling himself Tyrell Wagner was also detected; he stated that he was from Milwaukee and that he comes here because he does not get along with the energy in the house. Tyrell said he died from a “high” in 1974 (interpreted as a drug overdose) and did not own a home so he comes to this site. He never lived there in life and is thought to be related to the original Wagner family. Yet, no record of anyone by this name was found in relation to this property and the impression remains unconfirmed by factual data.
Another psychic reported the presence of a young black male that seemed 'more recent' along with a frightened young girl.
The sensation of a being that was killed or hit to the face was also reported.

Based on our evidence we were able to determine some paranormal activity at this location; however, we did not collect enough tangible evidence to support the claim of the location to be haunted.

Evidence - Fort Dallas
Select the evidence type you want to see, or hear, from the following list:

Class C EVP/Sound - Use your headphones.

Soft Sliding Noise.

Odd sound at time of touch, possibly a chair moving.

Sound of footsteps (women’s heels) also heard by investigators.

Class B EVP/Sound - Use your headphones.

Noises when the building was left empty with the recorder on inside.

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