The site of two successive forts, the first built during the War of 1812 by the British, and of the tragic massacre of more than 300 African-Americans who held the fort under the British flag in 1816, Prospect Bluff played an important role in Florida history. Located along the Apalachicola River, this interpretive area offers detailed information about the site and its history along with trails, river access, and a picnic area.
Built during the War of 1812, the British Fort was placed in a strategic spot along the Apalachicola River, which was the "highway for commerce" in those pre-road, pre-railroad days.
On July 27, 1816, U.S. Navy forces led by Colonel Duncan Clinch fired on what was then called "The Negro Fort." One of the early shots from the ship's guns landed on a ammunition shed inside the fort, resulting in a massive explosion which left only 33 survivors to tell the tale.
In 1818, Lt. James Gadsden oversaw construction of a new fort on the site as a U.S. fort in the heart of Spanish territory, under the auspices of Major General Andrew Jackson. This fort, Fort Gadsden, remained in use until 1821, when Florida became a U.S. Territory.
Detailed interpretive information in the form of kiosks and signage lead you through the site of both forts and the cemetery where the victims from 1816 are buried.
03/13/2017: Prospect Bluff is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week, and open Thursday through Sunday until 6PM.
Operational Hours:
As of March 13, 2017, Prospect Bluff is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week, and open Thursday through Sunday until 6PM.
Reservations:
Local author and historian Dale Cox is now offering guided interpretive tours of Prospect Bluff. Please contact him at least two days in advance of when you would like to tour the site. Email: dale@oldkitchen.org
Paddlers: If you are visiting Prospect Bluff by boat, please do not pull out your craft near the fort. The site is very culturally significant, and we need to preserve it. Please pull out on an area of the bank near the picnic shelter. We appreciate your help.
Closest Towns:
Sumatra, Eastpoint
Restroom:
Vault toilet
Operated By:
US Forest Service
General Information
Directions:
From Tallahassee, take State Road 20 west to Hosford, turn left on State Road 65. Follow SR 65 south for 4 miles past Sumatra. Turn right onto Forest Road 129-B, Brickyard Road. This is an unpaved road and has deep potholes in places.
** If the road is flooded, do not attempt to drive to Prospect Bluff. Flooded potholes can be dangerous and the fort site sits in a floodplain area **
From Apalachicola, head south on Hwy 30 for 10 miles. Turn left onto FL-65 N and continue on for 20 miles.Turn left onto Forest Road 129-B, Brickyard Road.
Follow Brickyard Road for 1.9 miles and then turn left onto Fort Gadsden Road. Continue one mile to the interpretive area entrance on the left.
Directions:
From the intersection of CR 379 (Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway) and SR 65 in Sumatra, drive south on SR 65 for 4 miles. Turn right on Brickyard Road. This access road is unpaved and may have deeply rutted potholes. ** DO NOT TRY TO ACCESS THIS INTERPRETIVE SITE IF THE ROAD IS FLOODED - DRIVING INTO FLOODED POTHOLES CAN BE DANGEROUS **
Continue 1.5 miles to Brickyard Landing Road. Turn left. Drive half a mile. The entrance is on the left.
From the intersection of CR 379 (Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway) and SR 65 in Sumatra, drive south on SR 65 for 4 miles. Turn right on Brickyard Road. This access road is unpaved and may have deeply rutted potholes. ** DO NOT TRY TO ACCESS THIS INTERPRETIVE SITE IF THE ROAD IS FLOODED - DRIVING INTO FLOODED POTHOLES CAN BE DANGEROUS **
Continue 1.5 miles to Brickyard Landing Road. Turn left. Drive half a mile. The entrance is on the left.
Outdoor Learning
SHOW
Interpretive Areas
Picnicking
SHOW
Group Picnicking
Picnicking
Water Activities
SHOW
Boating - Non-Motorized
It's a little over 0.1 mile from the parking area to haul your kayak or canoe down to the river. Currents may be swift in the main channel.
SHOW
