James Susha

Fort Pierce, originally established in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, served as a strategic military outpost for the United States Army on Florida’s east coast. Named after Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Kendrick Pierce, the fort provided a base for operations against Seminole forces and protected nearby settlers. After the war ended in 1842, the fort was abandoned, but the site continued to play a role in regional development. Today, Fort Pierce is remembered for its pivotal role in early Florida military history and is the namesake for the modern city that grew around its former location.