Step back in time at the enchanting Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park and delve into the captivating history that lies woven into the heart of Florida’s wilderness, nestled within the serene flatwoods of Volusia County on the tranquil shores of the Tomoka River. The Addison Blockhouse, a charming coquina rock remnant, stands proudly as a vestige of an 18th-century plantation once belonging to John Moultrie. Witness the legacy left behind by pioneers such as John Addison and Duncan McRae, who toiled the land cultivating cotton and sugar cane from 1816 to 1836 until the flames of the Second Seminole War engulfed their endeavors. Originally crafted as an outdoor kitchen for the overseer’s dwelling, the blockhouse saw transformation when the Carolina Regiment of Volunteers fortified it to shield against Seminole assaults. The roofless ruin, adorned with a quaint round tower, harbors a grand fireplace within its weathered walls that stand at a modest height of 6 feet, exuding a fortified allure with its embattled ramparts and protective moat. While the lower foundation dates back to the 18th century, the upper structure received a modern touch in the 1920s. Explore further to discover the vestiges of a sugar mill commissioned by Duncan McRae in 1832, providing a glimpse into a bygone era of industry and resilience.