BUSHNELL, Fla. — There's something tranquil about the old Florida countryside — the herds of cattle, the winding trails and the sweeping Florida oaks that were at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park long before any of us and were witness to its history.

“I think people have a running narrative of American history in their heads, whether if it's from school or movies, but unless they are diehard history fans, they probably haven't heard about this battle that, at the time, everyone in America knew about," State Park Manager Bill Gruber said. 

Dade's Battle of 1835 led to the longest and most expensive American Indian war in United States history. 

Gruber, who has been with the park for nine years, shares that history with visitors and shows some artifacts that would have been used during Dade's Battle, like an authentic canon that is still used today during the park's reenactments yearly on the grounds. 

At first, he only intended to stay with the park a year or two, but he said he fell in love with the area, so he chose to grow his career there. 

“There is this quiet, peaceful — almost cathedral-like setting — out here because it's not a very busy park,” Gruber said. “So, you can be alone with your thoughts out here, and it's honestly very moving to a lot of people.

“It's a cool place to be, and while it is quiet and peaceful, we always have something going on,” Gruber said.

Dade Historic Battlefield State Park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park charges a $3 entry fee per vehicle for up to eight people; additional passengers cost $2 per person. The entrance fee for bicyclists and pedestrians is $2 per person.