WOODVILLE, Fla. (WTXL) - On the eve of the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Natural Bridge, local history buffs gathered to bring history to life with two days of Civil War era reenactments and activities.
On March 6 1865, Major General John Newton marched his union troops to battle at Natural Bridge but throughout the day long fight, confederate troops were able to hold their ground, including the bridge itself, forcing union troops to retreat.
Now, the battlefield lies about 6 miles east of an elementary school in Woodville, and over the last two days, reenactors have been camping out, creating an immersive historical experience for visitors.
"The battle of Natural Bridge is a significant event," says Ginger Rudiger, president of the Florida United Daughters of Confederacy. "It's a part of our Florida state history. It's a time of history that's misconstrued and not understood by a lot of folks. They think it's about certain issues that may or may not be. So anytime you have an opportunity to come out and educate the public and let them see how tough times were then or how good times were then, I think it's a wonderful opportunity."
This is the 40th year of the reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge.
