U.S. Forest Service to commemorate 200-year anniversary of the British Fort and Fort Gadsden National Historic Landmark

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept 22, 2016—For Immediate Release. – In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the U.S. Forest Service will commemorate the 200-year anniversary of the British Fort and Fort Gadsden National Historic Landmark located on Prospect Bluff on Saturday, October 22.

This free event will begin at 10:00 a.m. EST and feature 19th century music, site-wide engagement with local historians, reenactors and a formal ceremony at 11:30. The ceremony will feature the Seminole Color Guard, a traditional invocation in Miccosukee language by medicine man Bobby Henry, Descendants of Prospect Bluff Maroon Community, a Peace Belt Ceremony, and Keynote Address from James Edward Billie, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe in Florida.

The U.S. campaign against the fort at Prospect Bluff, occurred 200 years ago this year and lasted seventeen days ending with the deadliest cannon shot in American history. On July 27, 1816, U.S. Navy forces fired on what was then called "The Negro Fort." One of the early shots from the ship's guns ignited powder stored inside the fort, resulting in a massive explosion, which killed as many as 270 men, women, and children; leaving only 33 survivors.

The National Historic Preservation Act established the federal review process for protection of historic properties. Under Section 106 of the law, federal agencies must consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, approve, or fund, and must consult with interested parties in order to try to minimize adverse effects.

As food will not be available onsite, participants may want to bring a picnic lunch. There are local restaurant options as well. Please remember sunscreen and bug spray if you plan to spend the day. Good walking shoes are recommended.

For more information about this event please contact the Apalachicola Ranger District Office at 850-643-2282 or visit our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/apalachicola.

Directions: From the intersection of CR 379 (Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway) and SR 65 in Sumatra, drive south on SR 65 for approximately 4.5 miles. Turn right on Brickyard Road (also Forest Road 129, unpaved) and drive approximately 2 miles. Take a left on Fort Gadsden Road. Parking will be along the shoulder of Fort Gadsden outside of the entrance gate.

Gulf Public Transportation will provide transportation to the site for people that need special assistance, or as another option, those with special needs can be dropped off inside the gates at the venue and the vehicle taken out to parking.

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