A Message From Our President

Greetings and salutations! As we enter the New Year, 2018 promises to be a pivotal time in the history of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. Quietly tucked away near the woodland border of Leon and Wakulla County, this revered site marks the location of one of the last battles of the Civil War. The Confederate victory here protected a significant area of North Florida and South Georgia from the severe economic losses suffered by many other regions of the South. The battle preserved Tallahassee as the only Southern capital east of the Mississippi not to succumb to armed conquest during the Civil War. While the majority of the Southern defenders consisted of well-trained Confederate infantry, cavalry, and artillery they were augmented by local militia and cadets from the West Florida Seminary (Florida State University). Key to their participation in the battle was the defense of their homes and property. Union forces were part of a joint force expedition intent on engaging Confederate troops that had attacked at Cedar Keys and Fort Myers. Elements of the 2nd and 99th United States Colored Troops were landed at the St Marks lighthouse and marched into the interior to Newport and, failing to cross the St Marks River at that point, continued north to attempt a crossing at the Natural Bridge. Many of these men were ex-slaves fighting for the union and freedom. In a larger sense, the motives of the combatants on both sides of the battle represent a macrocosm of the complex political, economic, and cultural issues of the time. It is important to honor and preserve the memory of such men and events and learn from the lessons of history as we face similar issues today. Preservation of the Natural Bridge Battlefield began with the donation of a small parcel of land by veterans of the battle for the purpose of erecting a fitting monument to the Confederate defenders. Erection of the present monument under the authority of a 1921 Act of the Florida Legislature was due to the untiring efforts of those veterans and the ladies of the Anna Jackson Chapter #224, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). A key element of the monument is the inscription: “Lest We Forget”. Ultimately, ownership of the monument and the site were transferred to the State of Florida and are now part of Florida’s state park system. It is included in the National Register of Historic Places. But up until recently, the Park encompassed only a small fraction of the original battlefield. In 1999, the Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. (NBHS) was incorporated as a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) to work in cooperation with the Florida Park Service to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, and recreational value of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. As one of our first projects, on March 5, 2000 in conjunction with the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge, the NBHS installed a new monument commemorating the soldiers, both North and South, who gave their lives at the Battle of Natural Bridge. As growth and development have occurred in the area, the battlefield has become more and more threatened. Since inception, a primary goal of the NBHS has been to work with the State of Florida to acquire additional segments of the original battlefield. Over time, our efforts have been rewarded. In 2009, the state finalized the purchase of 55 acres known as the Rakestraw property. This was followed in 2011 with the purchase of an additional 55 acres from the Gerrell Plantation. Finally, on October 25, 2016, Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet agreed to purchase the 11,027-acre Horn Spring property representing the largest Florida Forever acquisition since 2006. In addition to protecting numerous springs and valuable water resources in the area, the importance of the acquisition to us is that the southern portion will become part of the Park. With this addition, the original battlefield and its approaches are now protected State lands. On March 3 & 4, 2018, the NBHS will host the 153rd Anniversary and 41st Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. As has been the custom since 1978, a full-scale reenactment of the battle will be held on both days on portions of the original battlefield. We will be joined by Confederate and Union reenactors from across Florida and Georgia, as well as our local groups - the Leon Rifles of Tallahassee and the 2nd USCT sponsored by the John G. Riley Center/Museum for African American History & Culture. Military and civilian camps will be open to the public where various demonstrations and activities pertaining to the period will take place. Period merchants will be plying their wares in our “Sutlers Row”. The always popular Ladies Tea will offer tasty treats along with featured speakers and fiery oratory. More contemporary cuisine in the form hamburgers and sausage dogs will be available from the Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937. Finally, on Sunday, the Anna Jackson Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy will conduct their annual pilgrimage and wreath laying at the monument in honor of their ancestors who participated in the battle. We are proud to have been part of this effort and will continue to strive to preserve the history of this site. As a member of the NBHS, it is all due to you. Without your support, little could be accomplished. Please plan to come and enjoy the reenactment this year. Also, please plan to attend the annual NBHS members meeting which will be held on site at 5:00 p.m. Saturday March 3. Thank you for your continued support.

It is hard to imagine topping the achievements realized during the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge in 2015 with the unveiling of the refurbished battlefield monument. But 2016 represents another banner year for the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park and the NBHS-CSO. On October 25, 2016, Governor Rick Scott and the Cabinet agreed to purchase the 11,027 acre Horn Spring property representing the largest Florida Forever acquisition since 2006. In addition to protecting numerous springs and valuable water resources in the area, the importance of the acquisition to us is that the southern portion will be added to the State Park and be managed by the Florida Park Service. With this addition, the original battlefield and its approaches are now protected State lands. The NBHS-CSO has worked and waited diligently to see this acquisition come to fruition and now looks eagerly forward to working with our partners at the Park Service to expand the educational, interpretational, and recreational aspects of the Park. On March 3, 4 & 5, 2017, the NBHS-CSO will host the 40th annual reenactment and 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge. As is customary, local schools will be provided with educational tours of the Park and reenactment encampments on Friday March 3rd. On Saturday and Sunday, the Park and encampments will be open to the public. Full scale reenactments of the battle will take place on both days. We are fortunate to have again received Visit Florida and Visit Tallahassee grants to advertise and promote the 2017 reenactment. We also are very grateful to the Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for providing funds to plant over 36 native yaupon hollies and wax myrtles along the edge of the reenactment field which will help mask the reenactor parking area from view during the battle reenactments. The NBHS-CSO has also purchased and installed 5 new sets of bleachers which will vastly expand seating availability for our visitors. We also purchased a new dual-use public address system to assist with communications both during the reenactment and at the Ladies Tea/Ball tent. As you know, the annual battle reenactment is the major fund raising event for the NBHS-CSO. Proceeds from public admission donations provide a large part of the funds needed to support the event (insurance, porta-lets, fire wood, hay, etc.) and pursue program services such as those described above. Membership dues are also essential to cover administrative costs and support program services. Please take this opportunity to renew your membership for the upcoming year and also please invite other friends and family to join us in our efforts to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, and recreational value of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. We wish you and yours a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support.

2015 – An exceptional year!

At the March 2015 reenactment we commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge with the unveiling and dedication of the new eagle sculpture atop the battlefield monument. With the installation of the new eagle coupled with earlier masonry repairs, the NBHS has realized one of its primary goals. The CSO provided over $9,500 toward the complete restoration of this important historic monument. Many thanks to our CSO members and other individuals who made donations during our fund raising drives and special thanks to the generous support we received from the Anna Jackson Chapter #224 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) and Leon Lodge #5, International Order of Odd Fellows.

During the summer and throughout the fall, the CSO worked with Dr. William Lees of the Division of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of West Florida (UWF) to conduct a metal detecting survey of areas of the battlefield recently acquired by the state. The primary areas of interest were a more extensive survey of the 55 acre Rakestraw property which was initially surveyed under a CSO grant from the State in 2009 and an additional 55 acres on the east side of the St.Marks river known as part of the Gerrell Plantation. During four separate weeks of investigation, CSO members with metal detecting experience worked under the supervision of Dr. Lees and a team of student archaeologist lead by Janine Johnston, a Master’s Degree candidate. Other members of the CSO also performed kitchen duty, preparing lunches to enable the volunteers to remain on site throughout the digs. The result of these efforts were phenomenal; over 900 artifacts relating to the battle were uncovered, the majority of which were small arms and artillery shot, shell, and shell fragments. These will be cleaned, preserved, identified, and cataloged at UWF then returned to the Park Service for future public display. In addition, a map of the location of each artifact will be developed which will provide significant insight into the scope and magnitude of the battle.

As we prepare for the upcoming year, the NBHS-CSO has again received a grant from Visit Florida to advertise and promote the 2016 reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. We will be running radio and newsprint ads regionally prior to the event and will have electronic bill boards this year in Ocala, Mobile, and here in Tallahassee. And as usual, look for our road sign at the Tallahassee-St. Marks Railroad State Trail (bike trail) on the Woodville Highway. The date for this year’s reenactment is March 5 & 6, 2016, so please plan on coming down to the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park and enjoy.

On a sad note, we are sorrowed by the passing in November of one our own, Colonel Don Bowman. Don was one of a handful of reenactors that participated in the very first reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge in 1978. He went on to become instrumental in the growth and development of the hobby in Florida. He was widely respected for his love of history and his unswerving devotion to the men of his command. He will be sorely missed.

In closing, thank you for your continued support. Nothing can be accomplished without it.

Well it’s here – the Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary and 38th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge will be held on the weekend of March 7 & 8, 2015. We have big plans for this year’s event including more reenactors taking the field, an expanded civilian camp, additional period merchants, music by the Shut Yer Trapp Family Band, and authentic glass plate photography by renown Civil War photographer, Windall Decker. And, as usual, we’ll have period military and medical demonstrations, historical orators, civilian activities including a Ladies Tea Saturday afternoon, and a tent dance Saturday night with music provided by the Panhandle String Band. Food services will again be provided by the Tallahassee Elks Lodge.

In addition, the weekend will be highlighted by the unveiling of the new eagle sculpture for the battlefield monument on Sunday, March 8. The restoration of the eagle has been a long and arduous process. The original eagle sculpture, which had been vandalized by gunfire and patched and repatched over a 50 year period, was removed for restoration in 2011 but determined to be unrepairable. The Florida Park Service and the Department of State’s Bureau of Archaeological Research partnered with the University of South Florida’s Alliance for Integrated Spatial Technologies to use laser scanning to create a 3D computer model of the eagle to be used to create a mold for a replica brass foundry casting. After the initial computer modeling, the remaining work languished due to lack of funding - the total cost being in excess of $30,000. Through the persistent efforts of the Park Service and the NBHS-CSO, the required funds were budgeted this year with the CSO providing $7,500 of the required amount. Many thanks to CSO members and other individuals who made donations during our special fund raising drive last year and special thanks to the generous support we received from the Anna Jackson Chapter #224 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) and Leon Lodge #5, International Order of Odd Fellows.

Also in preparation for the sesquicentennial event, the NBHS-CSO received local and state grant funding from Visit Tallahassee and Visit Florida to promote this year’s event. We will be placing ads for the event in several local and national publications. New road-side signage has been made which will be erected at the trailhead of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail (bike trail) on the Woodville Highway. We also have had new posters printed which will be distributed to local businesses for display. And finally, professional quality flyers for the NBHS were printed. Special thanks to Harry and David Bosman at the UPS Store at Capital Circle and the Crawfordville Highway for their help putting these materials together for us.

Finally, we couldn’t have accomplished any of this without the support of our members. We salute you and appreciate your continued support. The annual meeting of the NBHS will be held on Saturday March 7th at 5:00 P.M. at the Park but keep checking the website at www.nbhscso.com for any changes. Please plan to join us for the one-and-only Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge.

This past year was an exciting one for the Natural Bridge Historical Society. Most recently we welcomed Jim Willenbrink as our newest board member. We also want to welcome our new Park Manager, Rob Lacey, who comes to us from McClay Gardens where was the Assistant Park Manager. Rob is young and full of energy which is revitalizing everyone's hopes for our park. This year at the Battle of Natural Bridge reenactor registration was handled entirely by the Park Service. I hate to admit it, but I believe they did a better job of getting the required information and signatures than we have in the past. Our hats are off to Rob and all the Park Service staff for all of the hard work they completed before, during, and after the event.

Rained on Saturday but had a beautiful Sunday for the 147th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge.

Work repairing the mortar joints on the Natural Bridge Battlefield monument have been completed. The eagle atop the monument has been temporarily removed and is being restored by the State.

Please welcome our new directors Ed Buist and Drew Bell to the NBHS Board of Directors.

January 31, 2012 Dear Member: Thank you for your continued support of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War (1861-1865 ~~ 2011-2015), planning has begun for the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge which will be held on March 3 & 4, 2012. While this will only be the 147th anniversary of the battle, we expect this year’s event will set the stage for the upcoming 150th celebration. After many years of effort to expand State ownership, and hence protection, of the original battlefield, this year’s reenactment will take place entirely on the Rakestraw property which was purchased by the State in 2009. We will still have planned activities located on the original park grounds (i.e., living history demonstrations, period merchants, and food vendor), but use of the new property will enable us to expand the battle reenactments on Saturday and Sunday and provide a much more lively scenario. We also hope to increase reenactor attendance by providing additional space for the period camps. All-in-all, we are working toward making the Battle of Natural Bridge one of the premier reenacting events in North Florida. The NBHS-CSO has also made significant strides this past year toward our long term goals. Work has been completed on refurbishing the masonry joints on the stone monument, which had been showing significant signs of decay since its original construction in the 1920’s. The eagle atop the monument has also been removed and is currently undergoing restoration by the Division of Historic Resources, Florida Department of State. Plans also continue for the installation of a wrought iron fence around the monument in the fashion of one that existed at the park in the 1960’s. In addition, the State recently announced the successful acquisition of sections of the Gerrall Plantation which will expand the southeastern edge of the park all the way to the St. Marks River run. We wish to acknowledge the dedication of our members such as Ed Buist who provided oversight of the masonry repairs and the ladies of the Anna Jackson Chapter of the UDC for both financial and overall moral support of these projects. Last, but not least, thanks to all the Park Service staff for their cooperation and assistance. When you next visit the Park, make sure to give a hearty slap on the back to Mark Stevenson and Brian Keeffer, the two park rangers who managed to physically wrest the eagle from its perch without dropping it. In closing, it continues to be a joy working with such dedicated state employees and volunteers. I encourage more of you to take an active part in your CSO. Please take the time to renew your membership. Annual membership dues continue to support the day-to-day expenses and long term project goals of the NBHS, Inc. Also, if you are willing and able to help out at this year’s reenactment, even for just a few hours, please contact Bob Trapp at (850) 222-6192 or email btrapp@nbhscso.com Thank you again for your continued support. Sincerely, William “Buzz” Gifford, President

Tuesday May 17, 2011 – Today the Governor and Cabinet approved the purchase of a 55-acre addition to the Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park. The purchase of the Gerrell Plantation represents another important step toward protecting the second largest Civil War battle in Florida. The Gerrell property lies on the eastern edge of the battlefield and was used as an approach and retreat route by the Union 2nd and 99th USCT regiments. Buzz Gifford and Bob Trapp of the NBHS.Inc. attended the meeting of the Cabinet Aides to answer questions and support the acquisition. The Civil War Trust (CWT) also fully supports the purchase and has offered to pay up to $20,000 of the closing costs for the property.

AND IN OTHER NEWS FOR THE DAY.

The Museum of Florida History presents Emancipation Day Celebration at The Knott House Museum Corner of Park Avenue and Calhoun Street Tallahassee, Florida Friday, May 20, 2011

For more information about the day’s events: 850.922.2459

Portions of the total program include,

Friday, May 20

10:45 a.m. Riley House Museum Civil War Grave Decorating Commemorative Service at the Old City Cemetery on M. L. King Street between Park Avenue and Call Street. Reservations are not required.

Sunday, May 22

12:30—4:30 p.m. Tallahassee Museum Bellevue Plantation; tour the exhibit, The Plantation Communities. Request free admission as part of Emancipation Week festivities.

Another exciting year for the Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. (NBHS), Citizen Support Organization (CSO), in our continued efforts to preserve, enhance, and promote the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. As you know, following the purchase of the Rakestraw property by the State in February, 2009, the NBHS applied for and received a $25,000 grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historic Resources to conduct a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the new property. After navigating a number of bureaucratic hurdles, the CSO retained the services of the archaeological firm, Environmental Services, Inc (ESI). With the help of NBHS member volunteers, hundreds of pre-historic and battle related artifacts were recovered documenting this area as the heart of the battlefield. The primary “dig” was conducted in early December, 2009 with a follow-up in May 2010. ESI’s final report has now been delivered and the artifacts have been identified, catalogued and turned over to the State of Florida. The ESI final report will serve as the basis for our future efforts to interpret the Battlefield. On May 7, 2010 the NBHS was awarded the Stewards of Heritage Preservation Award by the Florida Archaeological Society.

At the August 7, 2010 summer meeting of the NBHS, Inc. Board of Directors minutes from a Park Planning meeting were handed out describing “next steps” toward developing an interpretive plan for the Park. The Rakestraw House was determined to be a useful structure to house educational programs that can be run by Park staff or volunteers. We were told that Park Planning will organize an on-site meeting to help determine points of interest for guided tours and to develop an interpretive plan for the Park. The CSO expressed its desire to be part of that planning process and submitted a proposed map for an interpretive trail through the Rakestraw property for consideration by the Park Service based on information from the ESI Phase I Archaeological Survey report.

. In October, 2010, District I staff informed the CSO of an $80,000 grant opportunity for fiscal year 2011 offered by the National Park Service. The CSO contacted Ms. Kristen McMasters, Grant Manager for the American Battlefield Protection Program, and determined that the Natural Bridge Battlefield qualified for two types of grants: land acquisition and planning. Applications for the planning grant were due by January 13, 2011. The CSO recommended and began working with the Park Service on a grant application to be submitted for the development of an interpretive plan for the Natural Bridge Battlefield. Authorization was given by District I management to prepare and submit a grant application. However, in December, we were informed that there was not sufficient time for the Park Service to develop and review a grant proposal. To the extent that similar grant opportunities exist for fiscal year 2012, the CSO strongly recommends that they be pursued and stands ready to provide volunteer assistance in the preparation and timely submission of a grant application. However, the Park Service must provide the necessary guidance, leadership, and management of such efforts.

During 2010, at the request of the Park Service, the CSO Board agreed to address the issue of handicapped access to the Rakestraw house. In order for the Rakestraw house to serve as an educational center for the Battlefield, it must be ADA compliant. We were advised that this is the next step in being able to open the house to the public. Concerns were raised about the Park Service’s suggestion to build a wooden access ramp because of the height and distance requirements of such a structure. It was decided that an electrical-mechanical lift providing unobstructed access from a handicapped parking space on the concrete drive to the back door inside the garage would be more appropriate. On November 10, 2010 at 3:22 P.M. an ADA certified lift from the American Medical Supply Company funded by the CSO at a cost of $3999 was delivered to the Rakestraw house and awaits installation.

In the area of public outreach, the CSO has made considerable progress in reaching out to other historically oriented organizations in the Tallahassee area. In 2009, the NBHS entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and Mutual Support (MOU) with the John G. Riley Center/Museum of African American History. Representatives from the Riley Museum were invited and set up an informational booth at the 2010 reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge and participated in the speakers program during the event. In addition, members of the NBHS have been working with the Riley Museum to raise and instruct an African American reenacting unit to participate in the annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. The NBHS, Inc. has also recently entered into an MOU with the Tallahassee Historical Society and will be working with that organization to enhance public awareness of the importance of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. Working together with these two well-established organizations will greatly enhance our ability to provide historical accuracy to our public education activities.

The NBHS has also established strong ties with the Anna Jackson Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). During 2010, UDC volunteers again provided invaluable assistance with CSO fund raising activities at the reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. Most recently, the UDC has pledged $2,000 toward the erection of a protective fence around the stone monument at the Natural Bridge Battlefield which is currently being pursued by the CSO in concert with masonry repairs to the monument.

Fundraising to support CSO projects continues to be a challenge during these uncertain economic times. Our primary source of funds continues to be derived from the annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. Where expenses for this event were once entirely paid for by the State, State funding for this event has all but disappeared. Current funding for the event now comes from donations from the public attending the event, corporate donations, and, to a lesser extent, the sale of T-shirts and medals at the event. After paying for event expenses, remaining funds become available to support CSO projects and program functions. Membership dues are also collected but are primarily used to support the CSO website, insurance, and other expenses. During 2010, we again received support from the Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 who provided food services at the reenactment with a portion of their proceeds donated to the CSO. We also received significant support from the Leon Lodge No 5 International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) as well as other smaller donations from some of the local businesses. However, with the change in ownership of the Wakulla Bank, we lost one of our major contributors.

As such, the CSO continues to place emphasis on maintaining and improving the quality of the annual reenactment. We take pride in the fact that our event is known as “fun and family friendly” within the reenactor and living history communities and that we continue to receive positive feedback from the public. With the State’s purchase of the Rakestraw property, plans began in 2009 and into 2010 to expand the reenactment onto the new property. At the 2010 summer meeting of the CSO Board of Directors, we received permission to conduct the Saturday skirmish on the Rakestraw property during the 2011 reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. On March 5, 2011, for the first time in 146 years, Confederate and Union combatants formed for battle on the Rakestraw property. Also, for only the second time since the Battle of Natural Bridge has been reenacted, African American troops representing the 2nd Regiment U.S.C.T. participated in the skirmish. The public present to witness this historic occasion were congenially greeted and escorted to the comfort of bench seating erected in advance by the Park Service staff. Persons with special needs were provided motorized transportation to and from the viewing area. The planning for and execution of this first reenactment on the new Rakestraw property was flawless. Enough can not be said for the considerable effort made by the Tallahassee-St. Marks Administration staff, volunteers, and living historians that worked so hard to bring this to fruition. We look forward to continuing to work with the Park staff to make the Battle of Natural Bridge one of the premier Civil War events in Florida.

In closing, the NBHS reaffirms our dedication and support of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. We look forward to continuing our mission to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, and recreational aspects of the Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park.

Sincerely,

Mark Rominger, Past President 2009-2010

William F. (Buzz) Gifford, President

President Mark Rominger and Vice President Buzz Gifford holding Stewards of Heritage Preservation Award presented to the NBHS,Inc. on May 7, 2010 by the Florida Archaeological Society.

We recently had our 10-year anniversary. Formed to help protect and preserve the Natural Bridge Battlefield, a core group of members have tirelessly toiled for many years to raise money and find ways to purchase or acquire more of the actual battlefield. These efforts however made only very modest progress.

There’s a saying, that timing is everything. In early 2008 things began to change. First, we reinvigorated and changed the Board of Directors. Next, we partnered with the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), the largest most respected civil war focused not-for-profit in the country. The CWPT listed Natural Bridge in their literature as one of the 10 most endangered battlefields in the country. With this new ammunition, several of us on the Board began to work anew behind the scenes to get the State to take a “fresh” look at the possible purchase of the Rakestraw property.

Then, with the assistance of the Florida Park Service (FPS), several of us on the Board began to attend state meetings on the purchase of the Rakestraw property. In November 2008 the land purchase details were worked out by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with support from the CWPT. Nearly everything we had hoped for was finally coming to fruition but, we had to wait until the spring of 2009 before the land was finally acquired.

In June 2009 as recognition for all our efforts, the CWPT bestowed on the NBHS the prestigious 2009 Brian Pohanka award for Best Preservation Group of the Year.

Now the real work is just beginning. The FPS has guided us through the application process for a grant to pay for a phase I archaeological survey of the property, which must be conducted. The grant was approved for $25,000 and the work is tentatively scheduled to begin this fall. We now need your participation more than ever. Part of the grant is based on using NBHS members to help with the archaeological work. We need to increase our membership and any active dues paying member can actually participate alongside the archaeologists exploring and excavating the property.

In closing, I want to thank all the NBHS members for their support over the years. A special thanks to:

• Bob Trapp - Secretary/Treasurer for all his administrative / financial work and negotiations with the Elks;

• Buzz Gifford - Vice President for his outstanding help with grants and contracts;

• John Boger - Director for getting the NBHS website going. You should take time and visit the website at www.nbhscso.com

• Sharon Brewer – Director who has been most helpful and made herself available for business;

• Chris Ellrich NBHS Member who has been meeting with the Riley House Museum and is near having a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and working agreement with them.

We need your participation NOW more than ever! I challenge you to bring in new members from your friends, neighbors and people of like minds interested in preservation of history. I look forward to seeing more of you in the months to come as we work on NBHS issues together.

Mark Rominger - President

The long effort to preserve the most important Civil War site in the Big Bend climaxed Thursday with the state purchase of 55 acres of the Natural Bridge Battlefield in southern Leon County. The state Department of Environmental Protection agreed to buy the site last November, using funding from the Florida Forever trust for environmentally sensitive lands. On Thursday, the DEP closed on the property, paying $3.4 million to the Rakestraw family, the long time owners.

NEWS FLASH - The Natural Bridge Historical Society, Inc. (NBHS) is excited to announce that on Thursday November 20, Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of the Rakestraw property where the most intense fighting occurred during the Civil War Battle of Natural Bridge. The addition of these 54 acres of the original battlefield greatly expand the current Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park protected by the State. The NBHS, a Citizen Support Organization (CSO), was instrumental in having this property recognized nationally as one of the 10 most endangered Civil War sites by the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT). Together, the NBHS and CWPT helped make State officials understand the importance of acquiring and protecting the battlefield from future residential development. With the purchase of the Rakestraw property, the NBHS-CSO will focus on assisting the State interpreting the site. The first step will be to apply for a grant through the Division of Historic Resources to fund an archeological survey of the property. The Rakestraw property contains relics of the Civil War and prehistoric settlements dating back 12,000 years. The St Marks River rises and falls through sinkholes and underground caves at least eight times on the property. "It's an incredibly significant piece of property both archaeologically and historically," said Fred Gaske, the director of the Division of Historical Resources, who also serves as the state historic-preservation officer. Cal Jamison, who represents Wakulla Springs State Park as its designated "ambassador," said the property is "every bit as awesome to me as Wakulla Springs." Other plans for the property include converting the Rakestraw house into an interpretive center. The NBHS plans to work closely with the Park Service to establish a museum to describe the events which occurred on March 6, 1865 during the Battle of Natural Bridge. The front rooms of the house are ideally suited to house showcases to display relics and other materials collected from the area over the years. Other rooms will be used as office space by the Park Service, including a place for the NBHS to hold meetings and to store CSO records. We also anticipate working with the reenactment community to expand the annual reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge. Hopefully, the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge (March 2010) will include action on the original main battle field. Members of the Rakestraw family said they were glad the state purchased the property and would preserve the land. "I think it's a great deal for the people of Florida that they acquired this property," Jim Rakestraw said. We wholeheartedly agree and thank the Rakestraw’s for their stewardship of the land for so many years. Special thanks also goes out to the members of the NBHS that helped make this possible and especially to the CSO Board of Directors: Mark Rominger, President; Henry Brewer, Past President; Buzz Gifford, Vice President; Bob Trapp, Secretary/Treasurer; John Boger, Director; and Sharon Brewer, Director, whose tireless efforts over the past ten years have finally resulted in this phenomenal acquisition. We would also like to acknowledge: Barry Burch, Park Manager; Wes Smith, Past Park Manager; and Tom Nobles, Past Assistant Park Manager, as well as all the Park Service personnel that have encouraged and supported the activities of the CSO. With the acquisition of this additional acreage the NBHS will play a major part in planning for the future at the Natural Bridge Historic State Park. With this in mind, we would like to invite and to urge all reenactors, living historians, and interested private individuals and corporations to join and become a member of this organization. The more members we have the more we can accomplish. Please visit our web site at www.nbhscso.com for a membership application or email Bob Trapp, our Secretary/Treasurer at btrapp@nbhscso.com .