Traces of History at Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
Park Overview
Along the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida is a historic site called Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park. This park does not have many activities, but it does allow visitors to go back in time and explore Civil War history. This historic site was home to more than 250 Confederate and Union soldiers between 1862 and 1864. At the entrance, take a moment to read the monument plaque describing the site –
“Dedicated to the memory of the confederate soldiers under Robert E. Lee who protected Jacksonville in 1862.”
Park History
A fort never actually existed on these grounds. However, in 1862, General Robert E. Lee ordered that an encampment be constructed upon an earth mound to protect essential supplies. Under the leadership of Brigadier General Joseph Finegan, the camp was fortified with cannons and guns and overlooked the St. Johns River so soldiers could easily spot enemy ships.
Later during the Civil War, the camp was also home to the Union’s 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the most celebrated African American regiments. At the end of the war, the land was abandoned for nearly one hundred years until it became a state park in 1950.
Comprised of 1.3 acres, the T-shaped earth mound is now blanketed in large live oaks, green moss, and thick, swing-worthy vines, and features replica cannons and a trench system for park visitors to discover.
Our Adventure
Along the square’s perimeter, we explore the Civil War Site a bit further, gleaning a glimpse into U.S. history. Crickets chirp and butterflies whisp around us as we wander through a surrounding moat. Giant uprooted oak trees sprawl horizontally and vertically on all sides with sunlight bleaching their branches. We climb thick roots to get higher viewing angles of the old encampment.
After enjoying a few more moments in the moat, we depart for more beyond Yellow Bluff, with leaves crackling beneath our toes and mystery lingering amongst the sacred historic space.
A short drive down the road offers a picaresque view of the St. Johns River, an important waterway during the Civil War. Today, industrial cargo ships line the shore, and the Dames Point Bridge stands in its glory on the horizon.
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