Natural Bridge Battlefield

Introduction of Natural Bridge

The History of Natural Bridge Battlefield

Twelve miles Southeast of Tallahassee, Florida the historic St Marks River disappears as it abruptly goes underground only to surface and re-submerge numerous times forming a complex crossing over the river that is called Natural Bridge. From pre history to present day the diverse ecology of this area was and remains extremely important. It serves as a natural bridge for the movement, nesting areas, and food sources for the abundant and varied wildlife species drawn to this rich ecosystem. Today this crossing also remains very important to man. It offers access to and across the river for many uses such as travel, industry, and recreational needs.

Natural watersheds, wetlands, and springs emerging from the heart of the earth form the St Marks River. Depending on the amount of rainfall and the natural flow of the complex spring system feeding the river the St Marks River starts its journey South from a point well above Tallahassee. Suddenly at a point eleven miles Southeast of Tallahassee and just North of Natural Bridge the St Marks River goes underground and travels through a sub-surface river/cave system which now and again peeks up to the surface and then back down. The underground portion of the St Marks River was formed dating pre-history by the erosion of softer portions of the underlying lime rock formations creating a very complicated and as yet unexplored underwater river/cave system. At the St Marks River's largest and final rise it flows into the lower St Marks River forming a large basin teaming with fish and wildlife. The river then meanders further South through the historic town of St Marks and the remains of the Spanish fort San Marcos de Apalachee established in 1679. The river then gently flows into the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of about fifteen miles.

Natural Bridge was first used in prehistory by the abundant and varied local wildlife of the times, many of which have long been extinct. Prior to mans presence, prehistoric animals such as the Wooly Mammoth, Mastodon, and Saber-tooth cat all used this land bridge as evidenced by the many fossils found in the vicinity. The earliest settlers, including Paleo Man that traveled this region and used Natural Bridge, as evidenced by the many bone and stone tools found in the area. Many other people from a multitude of cultures traveled over Natural Bridge with some settling in the area. Natural Bridge was used to transport raw materials and product to market for the Naval Stores (turpentine) industry. In the early eighteen hundreds the St Marks River was used to float timber to the a large sawmill in the town of St Marks. Later, and still today, Natural Bridge is used by the Timber and Pulp Wood industry to transport wood over land to market.

During the Civil War, in 1865, Union troops made a gallant attempt to capture the City of Tallahassee. As the Union troops attempted to cross the St Marks River at Natural Bridge the Confederate troops were in position and ready. In this five-day battle the Union troops were repelled, preserving Tallahassee as the only Confederate capital East of the Mississippi River never to fall into Union hands. There is a State park just East of the battlefield with a monument commemorating all of the gallant solders, both Union and Confederate that fought, were wounded, or made the ultimate sacrifice for their cause in the Battle of Natural Bridge. This 16.9-acre Civil War Battlefield has been in the same Family for over one hundred years. The current Family member in ownership of this property takes pride in the fact that he has been privileged to live on and preserve this unique Historical Civil War Battlefield in pristine condition for over forty years.

Location Map

Natural Bridge Battlefield is located in Southeast Leon county. Take state road 363, (Woodville Hwy), South from Tallahassee, Florida to Woodville. As you pass through Woodville turn left on Natural Bridge road, continue for about six miles to the Natural Bridge State Park. The battlefield property lies just East and extends Southward from Natural Bridge Road. This uniquely preserved piece of United States History encompasses almost 17 pristine acres. It has a 2/2 home with the front porch overlooking the scenic battlefield. The north side of this valuable property has over 700ft. frontage on Natural Bridge Road with a 6 ft. chainlink fence running the perimeter erected to preserve the battlefield.