Fort Hanson was a blockhouse fortification built in 1838 by the United States Army as one of a chain of military outposts created during the Second Seminole War.

Fort Hanson was primarily built for the protection of the St. Augustine area in the Florida Territory.

St. Augustine had become refuge for many white settlers and their slaves that had fled from nearby settlements and plantations for safety in the city.

It was also tasked with providing reconnaissance and communications to warn U.S. Army troops stationed in St. Augustine of any Seminole Indian activity in its general vicinity.

After only two years of service Fort Hanson was ordered abandoned on May 13, 1840, by the United States Secretary of War Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851).