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The Natural Bridge State Historic Site is located about 8
miles south of Tallahassee, Natural Bridge is named for a land
bridge across the St. Marks River that is formed when the river
disappears underground for a short distance. This narrow passage has
been used by wildlife and humans as a way to cross the river since
prehistoric times. The park is relatively small offering a picnic
area with restrooms as amenities. While this geologic structure and
the surrounding riverine ecosystem are reason enough to visit the
site, you will probably have the park to yourself just about any
weekend but one.Natural Bridge is the site of one of the last battles of the Civil War. Between March 1 and 3, 1865 a ragtag Confederate force held off Union troops attempting to ascend the St. Marks, destroy the railroad and ultimately capture Tallahassee. As a result of this Confederate victory, Tallahassee was the only southern capital east of the Mississippi not to fall into Union hands. Today a  monument
and plaque tell visitors the story of this battle and honor those
who fought here. Those looking for a more vivid reminder of the
events that took place here should plan a visit to the park in early
spring.The Battle of Natural Bridge is re-enacted at the park every March. Union and Confederate forces camp at the site for the weekend. There are many demonstrations of various aspects of life in a Civil War era encampment. Then in the early afternoon, cannon and musket fire shatter the silence as they did in 1865. The Union soldiers attempt to charge across Natural Bridge only to be cut down and ultimately turned back by Confederate artillery. It is quite a show and incredible to watch history repeat itself just as it unfolded over 140 years earlier. Natural Bridge site can be reached from Tallahassee by traveling south on Woodville Hwy (SR 363) for 8 miles and then turning left on Natural Bridge Road (CR 2192) for 6 miles. |
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