A Trip Back in Time… 12,000 Years Ago Where is the Water? Imagine standing on this site when native peoples first arrived in North America. The sea level was much lower then, with the Gulf of Mexico lying 50 miles away. 4,000 Years . . . — — Map (db m299195) HM
Where the River Meets the Gulf Native peoples were drawn to this natural port. They used dugout canoes for travel and fishing. Parties of men hunted and fished while women gardened and gathered herbs in the marshes. 200 A.D. — 800 A.D. . . . — — Map (db m299196) HM
From Faraway Ports Life changed dramatically with the influx of people from many nations. Large ships of Spanish explorers came in search of gold. A few French expeditions and British observers also journeyed here. With plunder on their minds, . . . — — Map (db m299197) HM
1861 • The Civil War Began. War Breaks Out Confederate forces established camp on top of the town’s highest sand dune. Union ships plied the waters of St. George Sound. Supplies were smuggled in on fast ships, known as blockade runners. . . . — — Map (db m299198) HM
1900 • In the wake of the 1899 hurricane, downtown Carrabelle was moved to its present location. A Time of Prosperity Many larger buildings still standing today were constructed in the early 1900s. This was another boom time for . . . — — Map (db m299199) HM
1945 • WWII ended. Barn Raising The Army left behind many new paved roads which brought more tourists to the area. Commercial fishing expanded. Riverfront homes and businesses, such as The Barn, were built or improved, using surplus . . . — — Map (db m299386) HM
