FORT OGDEN and ARCADIA
Ziba King, Florida Cattle Baron

Fort Ogden is an unincorporated community in DeSoto County about 10 miles southwest of Arcadia.  It is located on the eastern side of the Peace River on US-17.

It is named for a U.S. Army fort that was built in 1841 during the Second Seminole War.  The fort was abandoned in 1842.  When settlers began to arrive later in the 1800s they kept the name.

Judge Ziba King, Florida State Archives

An early settler in the area was Ziba King.

King was a Confederate veteran who moved to Florida after the Civil War. He left the devastation of war torn Georgia with five dollars in his pocket and walked to Florida.

He worked at several jobs until he saved enough money to open a dry goods store in Tampa in 1868.

Shortly after that, he moved to the Fort Ogden area and homesteaded 160 acres and also opened a general store.

He began to acquire cattle and was also appointed a judge somewhere along the way. 

He was also president of the First National Bank of Arcadia and had prominent positions in several other banks.

King Family Plot in Fort Ogden, Florida

Ziba stood 6 foot 6 and weighed 225 pounds and commanded immediate respect when he walked into a room. He was also known as a very good poker player, but one with a soft heart.

From time to time he'd play somebody into bankruptcy and then give them some money back so they could make a fresh start.

Ziba King Grave, Fort Ogden, Florida

He owned the local newspaper, was elected to the Florida Senate and was also on the school board. One time he bankrolled the entire school system with his own money.

He was active in politics until his final days.

Marker at Ziba King Memorial Recreational Park

When Ziba King died in 1901 he reportedly owned 50,000 head of cattle worth $500,000. This represented 10 percent of all the cattle in Florida.

Fort Ogden Methodist Church

He was known as a cattle baron, and his life story is similar to the fictional family created by the late Patrick Smith in his Florida classic "A Land Remembered".

Old Fort Ogden School

Ziba King and some of his family are buried in a small family plot in Fort Ogden, Florida just west of US-17. The plot is in a community park and is open to the public.

THINGS TO DO IN FORT OGDEN, FLORIDA

English Lake Farm
7288 SW Lime Drive, Fort Ogden, FL 34269 | (863) 990-6164

You’ll find English Lake Farm nestled in the historic town of Fort Ogden, surrounded by ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. Spend a day picking fresh, juicy blueberries.

The farm boasts a bountiful blueberry patch where you can fill your baskets with these delicious berries. Besides blueberries, English Lake Farm also offers citrus fruits. Imagine plucking ripe grapefruits, lemons, and oranges straight from the trees.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, English Lake Farm provides a delightful escape where you can connect with nature, savor fresh produce, and create beautiful memories.

DeSoto County Historical Society and Museum
120 W Whidden St, Arcadia, FL 34266 | (863) 266-5774

Just about 11 miles from Fort Ogden, this museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of DeSoto County. We enjoy exploring the variety of exhibits that showcase artifacts from the early days of the area, including Seminole Indian culture and pioneer life.

The museum also offers guided tours that provide insightful narratives about the local history. There is a gift shop too.

Brownville Park
1885 NE Brownville St, Arcadia, FL 34266 | (863) 491-5333

This beautiful park in nearby Arcadia offers a great escape into nature with its scenic walking trails and access to the Peace River. Our favorite activity here is fossil hunting in the river, where you can find ancient shark teeth and other prehistoric remnants.

The park also has picnic areas and camping sites, making it ideal for a family day trip or a weekend camping adventure. Dogs allowed.

Lettuce Lake Boat Ramp
8644 SW Reese St, Arcadia, FL 34269

This hidden gem is perfect for kayakers looking to explore the serene waters of Lettuce Lake. Enjoy kayaking here early in the morning to experience the peaceful ambiance and spot wildlife, including birds and occasional alligators.

The lake is also popular for fishing, so bring your rod if you’re interested in catching some local fish.

Nav-A-Gator Bar & Grill
9700 SW Riverview Cir, Lake Suzy, FL 34269 | (941) 627-3474

This quaint restaurant about 9 miles away in Lake Suzy offers delicious seafood with views of the beautiful Peace River. Our favorite is dining on the outdoor deck. 

You can enjoy fresh dishes like gator bites and catfish while watching boats pass by. The Nav-A-Gator also hosts live music events, adding to its laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

Joshua Citrus Grove Stand
4135 SE County Road 760, Arcadia, FL 34266 | (863) 494-6166

The family has been growing citrus on the same property for over 130 years! At the grove stand they have fresh squeezed juices including orange juice, grapefruit juice, and orange-strawberry juice.

They have fresh citrus in season, jams, jellies, sauces, soft serve ice cream, and Florida style gifts. The folks at Joshua Citrus can also take you behind the scenes at a citrus grove with their golf cart tours.

The last we heard the tours cost $5. The stand is open seasonally, October thru June. Every Saturday during the height of the season October-April they have a live band and a food truck.

Jun 06, 2022
My Great Uncle Ziba King
by: Curtis O. Johnson

Ziba King was my great uncle. I'm kin to him by marriage and interested in his past. He was married to my great aunt Florida Brewer.

Both my great Grandmother's were great aunt Florida's sisters. One was Mary Brewer born 1844 and married W. A. Johnson July 26, 1864. Other was Isbella (Belle) Brewer born 1850 married James McBride.

That would make their mother my great great grandmother Elizabeth (Whidden) Brewer. She is also buried at the King family plot in Fort Ogden. I'm from Fort Ogden and now live in Arcadia. I have a question, what happened to all his cattle after he died in 1901?

Mike says:  not sure about the cattle, but they were probably passed down to his heirs.

Jul 25, 2021
Kings Highway
by: T. Cuevas

Mike, thanks for the reply. Yes, that was always my thought too, but Ziba King’s cow path ran north into what used to be known as ‘Pine Level’, about 20 miles north into Manatee from King Highway's current terminus in Port Charlotte.

Ziba owned over 50k cattle at his height so I imagine that cattle trail was really something back in the day.

Mike says: Thanks for the link. It doesn't work for me because I am not a subscriber to the newspaper, but I get the idea. Great information!!

Jul 24, 2021
Great story
by: T Cuevas

Just came from another page on the history of Ziba King. I'm from Port Charlotte and love learning the history here. I had no idea he was the namesake for Kings Highway.

Here's a link to more SW Florida history if anyone is interested.

http://www.lindseywilliams.org/index.htm

Mike says: I did not know King's Highway was named after Ziba. In some parts of the state it references either the King of England or the King of Spain.

May 08, 2020
History of Property on Falcon
by: Blanche Levasseur

I love the history of the Ziba King family and the school house. 
I am trying to find any history on the 1940 built home on Falcon ave across from the Methodist church.

Sep 11, 2019
Fort Ogden Methodist Church
by: Lisa Phillips

I enjoy all of your post. We live across the Park from the Methodist Church.

Aug 09, 2019

Back to Arcadia
by: Setty

I was a resident of Arcadia and Desoto County in 1977-1985. I am back now visiting my very best friend who I have stayed in touch with all these years.

I feel a very special connection to Arcadia. I worked at Tinsley IGA and my Husband worked at the Transformer Plant. This was the happiest time of my life. Met my husband at Desoto Co. High. Married in 1979 in Port Charlotte. My children were born here.

We Rode through the old neighborhood its quite grown up. But still has the same charm and Memories i will always cherish. Thank you for the history. Great Story.

Feb 22, 2019
Fort Ogden marriage
by: Kim Saunders Roane

My grandmother and grandfather, Mary Viola Strong and Sidney Slayton Saunders were married in Fort Ogden May in 1904. 
I have a copy of their marriage certificate signed by County judge A. E. Pooser.

Feb 21, 2019
Great Granddaddy
by: Aunt B

Loved the story!!! I wonder if my Great Granddaddy worked for him....he was born in Ft. Ogden, and my Great Grandmother was born in Buckingham.

Dec 27, 2018
Florida born, Florida Raised
by: David Lee

I absolutely love your post, what an awesome man.
Thank you so much for sharing about Ziba King.

Dec 27, 2018
Great-Grandparents
by: Carolyn Shiver Callahan

Know the Ft. Ogden cemetery well. My Great-Grandparents are buried there...Joe E and Pearl E Mattair. When my Grandma Belle Mattair and step Dad Preston Mattair were alive we would go to Mattair-Thornton reunions there. Great memories!

Aug 07, 2018
Live nearby
by: Asena Mott

Thank you for posting, and I enjoyed seeing Zibe's post also. Ziba King officiated the wedding for my GGG Grandparents, FCM Boggess and Pauline Seabrook in 1874.

I actually live within walking distance of the King's family cemetery and take the time to go by and read the headstones a couple of times a year.

EDITOR SAYS

Thanks, Asena. If this were Facebook I'd give you a great big LIKE!

May 04, 2018
My Great Great Uncle Zibe (Ziba)
by: Zibe King, Jr.

Love this story! I stand 6 feet 4 and weigh 223 lbs. Zibe (Ziba) was my Great Great Grandmother's brother and she named a son Zibe after her brother.

Another sibling, my Great Granddaddy William King named a son Zibe and he was my father.

When pronouncing "Zibe" I have to cut it short as it sounds like Ziba if completely pronounced and often people repeat "Ziba"? and I have to say no, it's "Zibe".

EDITOR SAYS

Thanks, Zibe, for the interesting family story. Both Ziba and Zibe are unusual names to me.

Dec 02, 2016
From the wife of his Great Great Great Grandson
by: Lynne O'Neal

Thank you for preserving the memories of Ziba King.

We take a trip out to the family plot yearly to explain to our daughters their relation to Ziba King.

More members of the King family are buried at Oakridge Cemetery in Arcadia.

Jan 12, 2016
Fascinating snippet of Florida history
by: Gillian Birch

What a great little story of Florida history. Thoroughly enjoyed the read which has inspired me to visit Fort Ogden and Arcadia again with renewed interest. Thanks for posting!