Also known as the Old Fort, this earthen fortification is the only remnant of a number of earthworks constructed to protect Florida's capital during the Civil War. Probably constructed beginning in late 1864, the fort was sited on a hill in the southeast portion of the city on plantation property belonging to Edward Houstoun, and later by his son Patrick who commanded a Confederate artillery battery at the Battle of Natural Bridge.

Due to their defeat at Natural Bridge, Union soldiers failed to reach Tallahassee to test thisbulwark. In 1943, the property was donated to the City of Tallahassee. A State Historical Marker for Old Fort Park marks this good example of Civil War earthworks.

Photo Courtesy Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN)

Information Provided by the Florida Department of State.