Palatka in Putnam County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Suspension Bridges and Amphitheater
1933-Today
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 11, 2014
1. Suspension Bridges and Amphitheater Marker
Suspension Bridges
There are two pedestrian suspension bridges in the Gardens. These bridges are replacements of the original structures. Each spans approximately 120 feet. The bridges are constructed with concrete bases at either end, limerock anchors for the steel cables, and paired reinforced concrete masts at the ends. The bridges spanned land rather than water. Under the bridges, Whitewater Branch was channeled underground with limerock and concrete dams, culverts, and a spillway. A 40 to 50 foot area under each bridge was filled with soil and plantings. The bridges have been reconstructed, and only the concrete masts are original.
The Amphitheater
The amphitheater was developed in 1939 at the junction of the branches in response to the needs of the Miss Azalea Pageant. It is basically unchanged. The seating area, across the Gardens loop road, consists of eight arced terraces delineated by low limerock walls leading uphill. The terraced stage has limerock walls at three levels and stairs at the center of both sides. You can follow in the footsteps of
this page online
Erected by Florida State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 29° 38.042′ N, 81° 38.658′ W. Marker is in Palatka, Florida, in Putnam County. It can be reached from Twigg Street east of South 18th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located within Ravine Gardens State Park, along the gardens loop road, overlooking the subject suspension bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka FL 32177, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Saw Palmetto (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palatka Waterworks (about 600 feet away); Native Americans at the River (about 600 feet away); Ravine State Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Garden Center History (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Gables Inn (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Hammock (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palatka.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Civil War and the Ravines
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 13, 2019
2. Suspension Bridges and Amphitheater Marker (wide view; amphitheater behind marker on left)
Regarding Suspension Bridges and Amphitheater. Ravine Gardens Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #99000694 (1999)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2013
3. Ravine Gardens Suspension Bridge (wide view; original concrete mast visible on left)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 24, 2010
4. Ravine Gardens Suspension Bridge (deck & cable view)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 24, 2010
5. Ravine Gardens Amphitheater Stage ("U"-shaped walkway visible around bench)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, March 11, 2014
6. Ravine Gardens Amphitheater Seating (arced terraces delineated by low limerock walls)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 685 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 19, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
