Fort Pike's role in the military affairs of the United States prior to the Civil War varied considerably. During the Seminole Wars in the 1830s, Fort Pike served as a staging area for many troops en route to Florida, and also as a collection point for hundreds of Seminole prisoners and their black slaves who were being transported to Oklahoma. Cannons were removed from some of the casemates to convert them to cells. At one point in this conflict, only 66 soldiers guarded 253 Indian and black prisoners. Similarly, during the Mexican War in the 1840s, it was a stopover for soldiers bound for Texas and Mexico. In between these wars, Fort Pike was largely abandoned and left in the care of a single ordnance sergeant. It was again left to the care of an ordnance sergeant from 1871 until it was officially abandoned in 1890. In 1972 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, an honorary designation for significant historic sites. Opened 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Guided tours are offered daily. Charged $2 per person for entrance fees, free for seniors (62 and over) and for children age 12 and under. Groups are asked to call in advance.