Florida Heritage Landmark unveiled in Riverbend Park

April 3, 2009

	Commission Chairman Jeff Koons celebrates the historic occasion with the Sons of Union Veterans of Civil War. « Previous | Next »

Despite the threat of rain, many area residents, historians, and officials gathered underneath the magnificent, sprawling oak trees in Riverbend Park in Jupiter on March 21 to honor and celebrate a significant moment of our area’s rich history.

The first Florida historic marker dedicated to the Second Seminole War Battlefields along the Loxahatchee River was unveiled during a ceremony that included a presentation of colors by the Sons of Union Veterans of Civil War and an Invocation delivered by Florida Black Seminole Group representative Don Gibson. County officials and local historians in turn acknowledged their mutual efforts and valued partnership that resulted in the preservation of over 680 acres of historic parkland now known as Riverbend Park.

The unveiling of this Florida Heritage Landmark, sponsored by Palm Beach County and the Florida Department of State, officially marks the location of Powell’s Battle fought on January 15, 1838. At this location during the Second Seminole War, the Seminoles met and defeated US forces in the First Battle of the Loxahatchee River.

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a walking tour of the battlefield led by local historian and author Richard Procyk and Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationist Stephen Carr.

The marker is now located at the entrance to Riverbend Park. The park is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and located at 9060 Indiantown Road in Jupiter, one mile west of the turnpike/I-95 exits.