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Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park facts for kids

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Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site
Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site is located in Florida
Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site
Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site
Location in Florida
Location Leon County, Florida, USA
Nearest city Tallahassee, Florida
Governing body Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site is a special Florida State Park located in Leon County, Florida. You can find it between the city of Tallahassee and the town of St. Marks. This park is famous because a very important battle, the Battle of Natural Bridge, happened here during the American Civil War on March 6, 1865. The site gets its name from a cool natural bridge that goes over the St. Marks River. Groups like the Civil War Trust have worked to protect over 110 acres of this historic battlefield.

What Can You Do at Natural Bridge?

This historic park is a great place to visit and learn.

  • You can enjoy picnicking with your family and friends in the park's designated areas.
  • It's a perfect spot to explore history and imagine what it was like during the Civil War.
  • The park offers a chance to see the natural beauty of the area, including the unique natural bridge.

The Battle of Natural Bridge: A Quick Look

The Battle of Natural Bridge was a key event in Florida's history during the American Civil War. It took place near the end of the war, in March 1865.

  • Union (Northern) forces tried to capture Tallahassee, which was the only Confederate (Southern) capital east of the Mississippi River that had not been taken by Union troops.
  • Confederate soldiers, many of them young cadets from the Florida Military Institute (now part of Florida State University), bravely defended the area.
  • They used the natural bridge over the St. Marks River as a strong defensive position.
  • The battle ended with the Union forces retreating, meaning Tallahassee was never captured during the war.
  • This battle is remembered as a significant victory for the Confederacy in Florida.

Images for kids

  • Natural Bridge Battlefield SP sign01

    Welcome sign at the park entrance

  • Natural Bridge Battlefield SP mnmt02

    A monument honoring the soldiers who fought here

  • Natural Bridge Battlefield SP01

    A view of the peaceful park area today

  • 09-07-26 NaturalBridgeFL

    People reenacting the Battle of Natural Bridge

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