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Civil War buffs get a unique opportunity Saturday and next Sunday — a chance to excavate the Natural Bridge battlefield near Woodville.
The Florida Park Service bought 55 acres adjoining the park from private owners in February. The state already owns the current 7-acre Natural Bridge State Park and hosts an annual re-enactment of the March 6, 1865 battle.
But the battle was largely fought on the 55-acre tract, and officials eventually plan to stage the re-enactment on that site. The first step is to conduct an archaeological survey of the property and uncover any artifacts on the land. Park officials are inviting volunteers to join the effort.
"We think it's a great opportunity for those interested in the park or archaeology," said Barry Burch, the park manager. "Our intent is to find out as much as we can about the site."
The survey will be directed by a Jacksonville firm. Members of the Natural Bridge Historic Society will participate as will 25 to 30 volunteers, who are asked to sign up in advance. Burch also plans to conduct tours that day for visitors who want to observe the process.
Volunteers will shovel and sift dirt in grids on the property. Some volunteers may be allowed to scan the property with metal detectors.
The land has been in private ownership since the 1800s. The previous owner made "surface finds" of many Civil War and prehistoric relics. But this is the first excavation of the property.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do an archaeological survey on a Civil War battlefield," said Bob Trapp, secretary-treasurer of the historic society. "I'm sure we're going to find lots of stuff."
The Battle of Natural Bridge was one of two major Civil War battles in Florida. A group of Confederate soldiers, local militia and residents defeated the Union army, which consisted mainly of two regiments of black Union soldiers. The victory made Tallahassee the only Confederate capital not captured by the Union.
The Florida Park Service bought 55 acres adjoining the park from private owners in February. The state already owns the current 7-acre Natural Bridge State Park and hosts an annual re-enactment of the March 6, 1865 battle.
But the battle was largely fought on the 55-acre tract, and officials eventually plan to stage the re-enactment on that site. The first step is to conduct an archaeological survey of the property and uncover any artifacts on the land. Park officials are inviting volunteers to join the effort.
"We think it's a great opportunity for those interested in the park or archaeology," said Barry Burch, the park manager. "Our intent is to find out as much as we can about the site."
The survey will be directed by a Jacksonville firm. Members of the Natural Bridge Historic Society will participate as will 25 to 30 volunteers, who are asked to sign up in advance. Burch also plans to conduct tours that day for visitors who want to observe the process.
Volunteers will shovel and sift dirt in grids on the property. Some volunteers may be allowed to scan the property with metal detectors.
The land has been in private ownership since the 1800s. The previous owner made "surface finds" of many Civil War and prehistoric relics. But this is the first excavation of the property.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do an archaeological survey on a Civil War battlefield," said Bob Trapp, secretary-treasurer of the historic society. "I'm sure we're going to find lots of stuff."
The Battle of Natural Bridge was one of two major Civil War battles in Florida. A group of Confederate soldiers, local militia and residents defeated the Union army, which consisted mainly of two regiments of black Union soldiers. The victory made Tallahassee the only Confederate capital not captured by the Union.