Manager's Message

Happy Holidays! Come to Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park to experience the "Real Florida". Tallahassee is the only Confederate Capitol east of the Mississippi River that did not surrender to the Union Forces. On March 5, 1865, Confederate soldiers, made up mostly of older men and young boys, repelled numerous advances by the Union Forces making their way to Tallahassee, the Capitol. Union losses totaled 21 killed, 89 wounded, and 38 captured. Confederate losses totaled 3 killed and 22 wounded.
The 141st anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge was a tremendous success. Over 250 re-enactors showed up for the 31st re-creation of the battle to the delight of a crowd of 4500 people. The expanded parking area next to the event site is a real bonus to visitors weary of hiking down the long road to the park.
Planning is already underway for next year's battle. If you missed this year, you will want to mark March 7th on your 2009 calendar.
As a friendly reminder, campfires are not allowed at Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park.
- Barry Burch, Park Manager

Welcome to Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park

Natural Bridge is the site of the second largest Civil War battle in Florida and where the St. Marks River drops into a sinkhole and flows underground for one-quarter of a mile before reemerging. During the final weeks of the Civil War, a Union flotilla landed at Apalachee Bay, planning to capture Fort Ward (San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park) and march north to the state capital. With a timely warning, volunteers from the Tallahassee area-Confederate soldiers, old men, and young boys-met the Union forces at Natural Bridge and successfully repelled three major attacks. The Union troops were forced to retreat to the coast and Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi not captured by the Union. A reenactment of the battle is held at the park every March. Located on Natural Bridge Road, six miles east of Woodville, off State Road 363.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, please call 850-922-6007.

Hours of Operation

8:00 AM to sunset

Driving Directions

Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park is located six miles east of Woodville, off S.R. 363 on Natural Bridge Road.

Park Fees

Entrance is free for general day use and for the Natural Bridge Reenactment events. For further information about this park, please call.

Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park

7502 Natural Bridge Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32305
Phone: 850-922-6007
Fax: none

Citizen Support Organization

Natural Bridge Historic Society, Inc. http://www.nbhscso.com
815 East 7th Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32303