The unique name of Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park hails from its distinctive geological formation where the St. Marks River vanishes underground only to resurface further along, creating a natural bridge. This Florida park witnessed the second largest Civil War skirmish in the state’s history, earning it a spot on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Notably, it’s considered among the top 10 Civil War sites in the U.S. endangered for preservation by the Civil War Preservation Trust.

Dating back to 1865, the battle at Natural Bridge played a crucial role during the waning days of the Civil War, ensuring the preservation of Tallahassee as the sole Confederate capital east of the Mississippi to resist Union forces.

Fast forward to February 2009, the state of Florida expanded the park’s boundaries with the acquisition of nearly 55 acres of land to safeguard a first-rate spring within its vicinity.