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Event
Tallahassee Civic Chorale Fundraiser - Fish Fry and Walking Tour of Natural Bridge Battlefield
The Tallahassee Civic Chorale is sponsoring a fish fry lunch and walking tour at Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park on Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 11:00 am to about 3:00 pm. The walking tour will be in the recently acquired acreage commonly called the Rakestraw property, where much of the 1865 Civil War battle took place. The area is not normally open to the general public.
A guided tour will go through the area of Floridas second largest battle at the point where the St. Marks River goes underground. The natural bridge formed by the river going underground provided the ideal place for Union forces consisting of two regiments of African-American soldiers led by Brig. Gen. John Newton to cross from the east side of the St. Marks with the objective of capturing Floridas capital city. Defending the crossing were a small band of Confederate troops under the command of Brig. Gen. William Miller, determined to halt the Union advance. Alerted of the approaching Union forces, volunteers from the surrounding area, including cadets from the Florida Military and Collegiate Institute (now Florida State University) joined the Confederate troops, and repelled three Union attempts to capture Tallahassee during a day-long battle on March 6, 1865. It would be one of the Confederates final military victories of the Civil War, just months before their surrender.
Evidence of Native Americans, likely attracted by the fresh water and local fauna, have also been found on the property. Artifacts have been dated as far back as 10,000 B.C. The tour will view karsts and first magnitude springs that are part of the headwaters of the St. Marks River. Alligators and turtles are often spotted in the karsts and springs. March is a good time to find native Florida wildflowers blooming. Look for blue eyed grass, a native iris, and atamasco or zephyr lilies in the open area near Natural Bridge Road. Pinxters, a native pink azalea, bloom on the edges of the karsts and springs.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Proceeds benefit the Tallahassee Civic Chorale, a local non-profit. Tickets are available from Chorale members, through the Chorale website at www.civicchorale.org, or by phoning (850) 942-1893. The last day to reserve tickets is Wednesday, March 22, 2014. Those with limited mobility may not be able to access all areas of the tour. Lunch included with the tour is fried mullet, hush-puppies, cheese grits, coleslaw, and various sweets, with iced tea and water. Food made without gluten is available.
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LocationNatural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park (View)
7502 Natural Bridge Road
Tallahassee, FL 32305
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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