One of the most historic and beautiful state parks near the Tallahassee area is the Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park, which is only about 11 miles south of the city. Not only is this park filled with natural beauty and exciting activities but also the rich history of the second largest Civil War battle to be fought on Florida soil.
The Battle of Natural Bridge was not only the second largest battle to happen in Florida, but this location was also the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi River to never be captured by Union soldiers during the Civil War. The Natural Bridge, for which the battle is named, runs along the St. Marks River, which ends in a sinkhole. This sinkhole was a turning point in the battle, giving the Confederate soldiers the edge that they needed to defend their capital. Monuments and plaques around the park define the course of events in this historic battle. In 2019, the reenactment will be held on March 1, 2, and 3. These monuments pay respect to both the Confederate and the Union soldiers who died in this battle and remember those men honorably.
The park is much more than just 110 acres of historic memories. The nature is stunning, and the freshwater fishing is superb on the north side of the state park and available year-round. A variety of fish have been caught on this site, including the occasional Striper. Wildlife and vibrant vegetation lend to scenic picnicking grounds. There are sheltered picnic tables, excellent for relaxing and enjoying a meal in the midst of Floridian history, throughout the park. The park opens at 8 a.m. every morning and stays open until sundown all year.
Another favorite wildlife interaction in the park is bird watching. Even for those who are not necessarily “Bird-Enthusiasts,” the 480-plus species of birds offer a vibrant rainbow of the winged creatures. One of the most interesting birds there is the rare Ivory-billed Woodpecker. This is the largest of any woodpecker in the world, reaching nearly two feet in height. Very few forests, besides those in the Southeastern United States, can even support the Ivory-billed Woodpecker population. Previously confirmed sightings of the beautiful bird ranged from Louisiana to Cuba, with the most recent certified sighting in 1986. Though this bird is nearly extinct due to hunting and habitat destruction, we have had a few unofficial sightings of the beautiful bird in recent years.
Perfect for team-building and office comradery, tour guides at the Natural Bridge offer guided, interpretive tours of the park for groups of up to 50 people. The tour guides take the groups through the historical landmarks on the property and discuss the rich history of the battle that took place there on March 6, 1865. Since the battle, over 150 years ago, there have been forty-one annual reenactments to pay tribute to the Union and Confederate soldiers who lost their lives that day. The reenactment which is hosted on the closest weekend to March 6th every year is a hotspot for activity. In addition to the actual battle reenactment, there are vendors and games in booths on the grounds. Contact the park’s office at (850) 487-7989 for further details about scheduling tours, or find more information at floridastateparks.org.
A year-round state park offers a variety of events and a natural beauty that makes for a splendid outdoor afternoon. The history behind this state park is a significant part of our local culture, and many people have taken an active interest in the reenactment. The activities, the wildlife, and the history of Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park are more than enough reasons to make this your next day trip destination. 
Emerald Devereux
Home & Yard Magazine
