By the turn of the twentieth century, Simpson and Company was shipping lumber as far away as Scandinavia. Following the deaths of the partners in the Simpson Company the lumber mill was sold in 1903 to Thomas R. Lyon of Chicago, who renamed it . . . — — Map (db m100331) HM
When William Bartram rode on horseback through the upper Florida peninsula in 1744, much of his journey was through longleaf pine forests. The landscape of the peninsula has changed since this exploratory journey, and many animal species native to . . . — — Map (db m100321) HM
The closing of the Bagdad Land & Lumber Company in 1939 brought the end of an era. The industry that had created the community was gone, and the residents of the village had to find ways to survive. There were other mills, plants, and businesses in . . . — — Map (db m100311) HM
Bagdad Lumber Mill
In 1829, Joseph Forsyth saw economic potential in the vast pine forest of North Florida. Old growth yellow pine was one of the world's most prized building materials and the deepwater juncture of Pond Creek . . . — — Map (db m99709) HM
The mill site's natural characteristics were changed in the twentieth century when it was used as a prestress concrete plant (1977-1992) and an asphalt plant (1995-1999). When the asphalt company was unable to continue their operations, the land . . . — — Map (db m100319) HM
The First United Methodist Church of Bagdad traces its roots to a brush arbor in 1830. Dr. John Wesley Talley, a former missionary to the Choctaws, delivered the first sermons beside the Blackwater River and earned a $13 salary that first year. In . . . — — Map (db m146517) HM
The first years of the Civil War brought prosperity to Bagdad, but a blockade of Pensacola Bay deprived the mill access to former markets. On March 11, 1862, Confederates, burned Bagdad’s industries, shops, and the major buildings in the Pensacola . . . — — Map (db m99851) HM
The property for the Forcade House was purchased in 1918 for $85 from the Oakland Lodge No. 18 of Bagdad. Completed in 1919, it is an outstanding example of Shingle style architecture, rarely seen in the South. Elzear “Exie” Fournier, a French . . . — — Map (db m146485) HM
Circa 1870 hose reel cart, manufactured by the Wirt and Knox Company of Philadelphia, PA. This firefighting equipment dates back to the lumber mills of Simpson and Company, followed by the Stearns and Culver Company and later used by the Bagdad Land . . . — — Map (db m146484) HM
Native trees play an important role in the Northwest
Florida ecosystem, and they have become even more
important in recent years with the loss of natural habitats
because of development and coastal deterioration. Many
native trees are . . . — — Map (db m100306) HM
Although evidence exists as early as 1763 of the Jones Brothers' yard careening and repairing British men-of-war, Bagdad’s first major shipyard was built in 1833 by Captain John Gardner and changed ownership several times. In 1853, the shipyard was . . . — — Map (db m99835) HM
Submerged aquatic vegetation is an important part of the Northwest Florida ecosystem. It is defined as any combination of seagrasses and algae that covers 10 to 100 percent of the riverbottom. Many of these plant species grow in underwater . . . — — Map (db m100329) HM
The historic buildings in Bagdad embody the village's history and cultural heritage, reflecting various periods of growth, and telling an important story about how the town was developed. The village boasts a wide variety of architectural styles . . . — — Map (db m100315) HM
The Bagdad Mill Site has been home to a number of different companies that helped shape Northwest Florida. Juan de la Rua cleared land to create a dam and possibly a saw mill at Arcadia on Pond Creek in 1817, but was plagued by labor shortages. In . . . — — Map (db m99852) HM
The village of Bagdad developed as a lumber mill community in the early nineteenth century, and lumber remained the principal industry of the village until 1939. Strategically placed at the confluence of Pond Creek and the Blackwater River, the . . . — — Map (db m100301) HM
The Blackwater River begins in Bradley, Alabama, and winds approximately 60 miles before reaching Blackwater Bay. Three major tributaries—Big Juniper Creek, Big Coldwater Creek, and Pond Creek—feed the river. The
Florida Legislature . . . — — Map (db m100309) HM
Longleaf or yellow pine forests once dominated the South and spread 90 million acres from the Atlantic Coastal Plain of southeastern Virginia to the West Gulf Coastal Plain of Texas. Longleaf pine developed in close
association with periodic . . . — — Map (db m100332) HM
During the Civil War, Bagdad was a frequent target of Union raids from Pensacola because the Union needed building supplies for the navy yard. One such raid took place from October 25-28, 1864, and is recounted in the dispatches of Brigadier . . . — — Map (db m99854) HM
The Thompson House
This antebellum home, constructed ca. 1847 by Benjamin Woodson Thompson (1809 - 1876), partner in the Forsyth and Simpson sawmill enterprise in Bagdad, is the best remaining Florida Panhandle example of a symmetrical Greek . . . — — Map (db m63182) HM
Bagdad was a thriving town. At its height, the mill employed about 1,200 mill workers and more than 60 businesses, churches, and schools operated in the village. A November 7, 1885, article in The Pensacola Commercial reported, "Bagdad has . . . — — Map (db m100325) HM
From small acorns come massive live oak trees-and mighty ships. The live oak's dense, rot-resistant wood and large arching branches were ideal for building ships in the 1700s and 1800s. Over 2,000 live oaks might be used to build one hull. To . . . — — Map (db m120482) HM
This is the site of the first federal tree farm in the United States. Live oaks were once valued for their superior shipbuilding qualities. The U.S.S. Constellation and U.S.S. Constitution ("Old Ironsides), both launched in 1797, were built of live . . . — — Map (db m120490) HM
Begun by a military detachment from Pensacola in 1824, the first federal highway in Florida was designed to connect the two principal cities of the new territory. Construction was later contracted to John Bellamy, wealthy Jefferson County planter, . . . — — Map (db m120487) HM
In Honor Of Those Who Gave The Ultimate Sacrifice On March 10, 2015. Navarre, FL
Marine Corps
Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III
MSGT. Thomas Saunders
SSGT. Liam Flynn
SSGT. Trevor Blaycock
SSGT. Marcus Bawol
SSGT. Kerry . . . — — Map (db m152589) WM
The A-4 Skyhawk series was the backbone of Navy and Marine Corps light jet attack forces from the late 1950s into the 1980s. Development of the Skyhawk series continued during these years and included many improvements, updates and . . . — — Map (db m151713) HM
Specifications/Performance
Wingspan ……………… 27 ft. 6 ins
Length …………………… 40 ft. 3 ¾ ins.
Height …………………… 15 ft.
Maximum Speed …… 670 mph
Range …………………… 2,000 miles
Gross Weight ………… 24,500 lbs.
Known as . . . — — Map (db m151717) WM
1948 - 1991
The Cold War
April, 1961
Bay of Pigs Invasion
October 1962
Cuban Missile Crisis
November 20, 1970
Son Tay Raid
1979 - 1981
Iranian Hostage Crisis
. . . — — Map (db m152684) WM
Arcadia Mill industrial complex included a multi-ethnic village located in the uplands and industrial facilities situated in the lowlands. This ethnically diverse industrial community included an enslaved African-American labor force, . . . — — Map (db m152729) HM
To ensure a constant source of water power and an area to store lumber awaiting processing, the firm of Forsyth and Simpson constructed a 1,200 ft. long earth and ironstone dam. Today four segments of the dam remain, one segment lies south of . . . — — Map (db m152734) HM
Flumes (ditches) and dams were constructed to divert and form holding ponds for raw materials like logs. Arcadia’s earth and stone dam was approximately 15 foot high, between 30 and 120 feet wide and about 1200 feet long. Able to withstand . . . — — Map (db m152768) HM
The Arcadia Mill site was the first and largest water-powered industrial complex in antebellum Florida. Arcadia Mill originated in 1817 as part of a Spanish land grant of approximately 680 acres. The site’s ironstone outcropping, a desirable mill . . . — — Map (db m152411) HM
The Arcadia Railroad
The three-mile Arcadia Railroad, one of the oldest in territorial Florida, was completed in 1840. Built in just five months, it connected Arcadia with the mouth of Pond Creek at the Blackwater River. Mules pulled cars . . . — — Map (db m152920) HM
“…the first and largest cotton factory in antebellum northwest Florida.”
The Arcadia Manufacturing Company
The Arcadia textile mill was the first and largest cotton factory in antebellum northwest Florida. In 1845, a . . . — — Map (db m152911) HM
The trail follows the path of the former Florida and Alabama Railroad. Built in the early 1900’s, it extended from the lumber mill in Bagdad to Whitley, Alabama. The F&ARR supported the timber and lumber business in Bagdad from 1930 to 1939, when . . . — — Map (db m123607) HM
Blackwater Landing
Blackwater River was first named Rio Del Almirante by Spanish explorers in the late 17th century. During Pensacola’s British Period (1763-1781) it was called Middle River because of its location between the . . . — — Map (db m99703) HM
Dedicated To All The Men And Women
Who Are Recipients Of The Nation's
Oldest Military Decoration
"The Purple Heart"
Combat Wounded Veterans
Military Order of
the Purple Heart 1782 - 1932 . . . — — Map (db m99910) WM
During the 1880’s, Charles Elliott was contracted to repair and extend an existing log flume that passed through Arcadia. Subsequently, Elliot’s flume connected the pine forest of northern Santa Rosa County to the steam powered mill complex along . . . — — Map (db m152787) HM
No Historic maps, drawings, blueprints or photographs are known to exist that would provide clues about Arcadia’s site layout or methods of operation. Archaeological excavations have exposed structural remains that provided key information used . . . — — Map (db m153281) HM
The light of freedom still burns brightly in our world today because of the service and sacrifice of America’s men and women in uniform.
Our Nation’s servicemen and women have fought the forces of tyranny and won victories for liberty, human . . . — — Map (db m151706) WM
The light of freedom still burns brightly in our world today because of the service and sacrifice of America’s men and women in uniform.
Our Nation’s servicemen and women have fought the forces of tyranny and won victories for liberty, human . . . — — Map (db m151709) WM
The original members of Mt. Pilgrim African Baptist Church came from Milton's First Baptist Church. Established in 1845, First Baptist's membership was comprised of 83 whites and 33 blacks by 1849. Some of the black congregants were likely enslaved . . . — — Map (db m198311) HM
On September 8, 1908, J.B. Turner School (JBTS), the first public school in Santa Rosa County established for colored students (named J.B. Turner Colored High School in the recorded deeds), was erected at this location on land purchased by the . . . — — Map (db m244290) HM
July 10, 1950
Battle of Chochiwon
July 19, 1950
Battle of Taejon
August 4, 1950
Battle of the Pussan Perimeter
September 16, 1950
The Pohang Breakout
November 27, 1950 . . . — — Map (db m153182) WM
The Marquis Bayou Bridge, named for George Marquis, the owner of a local saw mill that operated in the mid-1800s, opened in 1937. A Santa Rosa County delegation that included future Florida Governor Millard Caldwell helped to make the bridge a . . . — — Map (db m98374) HM
May 8, 1846
Battle of Palo Alto
August 22, 1846
Battle of New Mexico
February 22, 1847
Battle of Buena Vista
March 9, 1847
Battle of Vera Cruz
April 18, 1847
Battle . . . — — Map (db m152436) WM
War of Independence
War of 1812
Mexican – American War
Civil War
Spanish – American War
Mexican Border Campaign
World War I
World War II
Korea
Vietnam
Desert Storm
Iraqi Freedom
“National . . . — — Map (db m152593) WM
The plunge pool was adjacent to the second sawmill and textile mill. Constructed of massive ironstone blocks, the plunge pool was designed to protect the mills from flood and erosion. After power the wheel, the water was collected in the plunge . . . — — Map (db m152827) HM
This memorial is dedicated to the veterans of the United States of America – America’s heroes of centuries past and freedom’s defenders of days to come.
History will long remember the sacrifices of America’s heroic veterans, and . . . — — Map (db m152423) WM
April 12, 1865
Fort Sumter Attacked
July 21, 1861
1st Battle Of Bull Run
April 6, 1862
Battle Of Shiloh
August 29, 1862
2nd Battle Of Bull Run
September 17, 1862 . . . — — Map (db m152441) WM
In Colonial times patriots often gathered by designated trees to sow the seeds of revolution and freedom. Such trees came to symbolize American liberty. On February 22, 2019 this tree was dedicated as a living tribute to our founding fathers . . . — — Map (db m152572) WM
An extensive millrace provided power by transporting water from Pond Creek to the mill complex. The millrace channeled water from the Arcadia mill pond to the water wheel at the second sawmill and textile mill. The water then turned the wheel, . . . — — Map (db m152824) HM
February 15, 1898
Sinking Of The USS Maine
April 19, 1898
U.S. Adopts Joint Resolution For War
April 25, 1898
U.S. Declares War On Spain
May 1, 1898
Battle Of Manila Bay
. . . — — Map (db m152467) WM
June 12, 1812
America Declares War
April 27, 1813
York Captured
August 30, 1813
Creeks Attack Fort Mims
September 10, 1813
Battle Of Lake Erie
October 5, 1813 . . . — — Map (db m152435) WM
April 18, 1775 Paul Revere’s Ride
April 19, 1775
Battle of Lexington & Concord
May 11, 1775
Fort Ticonderoga
June 17, 1775
Battle of Bunker Hill
November 28, 1775 . . . — — Map (db m152433) WM
Ship's Bell Of
USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14)
Presented To Santa Rosa County
By The
U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station
Whiting Field
21 October 1961 — — Map (db m151841) WM
August 1, 1914
Germany Declares War On Russia & France
August 4, 1914
Wilson Declares U.S. Neutrality
May 7, 1915
Germans Sink Lusitania
January 31, 1917
Germany Resumes Submarine . . . — — Map (db m152468) WM
December 7, 1941
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
December 11, 1941
Italy & Germany Declare War On U.S.
April 10, 1942
Bataan Death March
August 7, 1942
U.S. Troops Land On Guadalcanal . . . — — Map (db m152490) WM
With everlasting appreciation and in tribute to the
AC-130 Spectre Crew lost near Kuwait in …
Operation Desert Storm
January 1991
Maj. Paul J. Weaver • Capt. Arthur Galvan • Capt. William D. Grimm • Capt. Dixon L. Walters, Jr. • 1st . . . — — Map (db m246567) WM
On 10 March 2015, MOJO 69, a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter carrying four Soldiers from the 1-244 Assault Helicopter Battalion, Louisiana Army National Guard and seven Marine Raiders trom 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp LeJeune, North . . . — — Map (db m246708) HM WM
CW4 G. Wayne Griffin, Jr. [SP]
CW4 G. David Strother [PI]
SSG Lance Bergeron [SI]
SSG Thomas C. Florich III [CE]
USMC 2D MSOB PAX:
SGT Marcus Bawol
SGT Trevor P. Blaylock
SSGT Liam Flynn
SGT Kerry M. Kemp
MSGT Thomas . . . — — Map (db m99711) HM
LA-ARNG USMC
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
10 March 2015
Remember The Men of
MOJO 69
LA-ARNG
CW4 George Wayne Griffin Jr.
CW4 George David Strother . . . — — Map (db m253559) WM
The U.S. military used this end of Santa Rosa Island for over 100 years. Fort Pickens, the first of four forts built to protect Pensacola Bay, has an unusual history. Union forces still held the fort during the Civil War in the 1860s even though . . . — — Map (db m281267) HM
