Region: Northeast
YELLOW BLUFF FORT HISTORIC STATE PARK
Jacksonville, Florida
Contact
Information
12157 Heckscher Dr.
Jacksonville, 32226
(904) 251-2324
Driving Directions
Yellow Bluff Fort is located in north Jacksonville
on New Berlin Road. From 9A, exit to Heckscher
Drive. Take New Berlin road south from Heckscher
Drive. Yellow Bluff Fort is approximately 2 miles
on the right.
The most imposing feature of the plantation, was
the sugar mill, located near the Homosassa River.
The mill operated for 13 years, producing sugar,
syrup and molasses. (Molasses was used to make
rum.) The mill was abandoned during the Civil
War and Yulee's plantation home, located down
the river, was burned. The plantation and mill
never recovered from the war.
During a visit to this small park you will
see the ruins of this once prosperous mill.
Still standing are the steam boiler, crushing
machinery, and large cooking kettles (all
shipped to Florida from New York) used to
process the sugar cane. Also remaining are
the stonework chimney, well and foundation
all quarried and constructed by the slaves.
A small oval pathway leads visitors around the
ruins to interpretive plaques that explain how
the system worked.
Park Activities
Picnicking
Across the street from the ruins is the park's
picnic area. A six table pavilion is available
to groups on a first-come-first-serve basis. Grills
and picnic tables are also scattered throughout
the picnic area. Restrooms are available. There
are no fees charged to visit the park. |
