After bad experiences with colonial English settlers in Georgia and Alabama, Creek Indians migrated to the Spanish territory of Florida where they were tabbed “Seminoles” or “runaways.” The signature tribe of Florida made a home on the shores of the lake with glassy waters less than 20 miles from Tampa Bay. They called the Lake Thonotosassa for “place of flint.” The Seminoles gathered the flint for tools and the lake became a sacred place of marriages conducted by prominent Chief Billy Bowlegs. The area also hosted harvest feasts and ceremonial occasions like the green corn dance, which was both a purification and manhood ceremony.
Planning a visit? Stay at Happy Traveler RV Park.
When the Second Seminole War erupted, retreating Major Francis Dade stopped to rest on the Fort King Military road that ran by Lake Thonotosassa. According to local legend, some of the men ate sweet Cuban oranges, and their discarded seeds started the citrus industry for which Thonotosassa became known. Today, the northern slice of Hillsborough County remains a place of citrus groves and quiet houses that often began as getaways for rich northerners and retreats for nearby Tampa.
Recreation opportunities abound on the northern fringes of Thonotosassa in places like the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve properties and Hillsborough River State Park. Paddling on the unhurried waters of the Hillsborough River is the star here, along with explorations along more than 60 miles of forest and cypress swamp trails. Fort Foster, located along the river, is one of two reconstructed Seminole War forts in Florida and open for visitors.
In the days when there was nothing but wilderness on the shores of Lake Thonotosassa, the Church at Antioch was established in 1854. That pioneer spirit is celebrated each November at Antioch Days with a parade, traditional craft demonstrations and entertainment. While Thonotosassa embodies all things small town, the relaxed way of life belies the fact that the community is only 15 miles from the bright lights of Tampa. Two of Florida’s biggest family-friendly tourist attractions, Busch Gardens and Dinosaur World, with over 200 life-size replicas of the “terrible lizards,” are each less than 10 miles away. One place where the old and new of Thonotosassa mingle is Reese’s Beach & Fish Camp. Families have gathered here since 1961, and it has recently been given a facelift for fishermen, boaters and swimmers.
