Independence Day weekend festivities in Palm Beach County will culminate with a “Battle & Paddle Tour” at Riverbend Park in Jupiter on July 6.
The grounds are the site of a major battle in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, and the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists conduct a reenactment every January to commemorate the conflict. The organization said it scheduled the July 4 holiday weekend event to raise awareness of Florida’s and the Palm Beaches’ rich history pre-statehood.
Derek Hankerson, president of the group, said the state and county history is not entirely separate from the events leading to the American Revolution and the 13 original colonies’ freedom. He said it is the “perfect” moment to raise that nexus now as America begins a yearlong countdown to the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
“This is just perfect timing with America’s 250,” said Hankerson. “We could not have timed this better.”
The “Battle & Paddle” tour will feature guided kayak tours of the battleground site led by historians. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. For information, call 561-747-0063.
Those attending the event can also independently access the full range of recreational amenities at Riverbend. The 644-acre park 9060 Indiantown Road is dominated by pine flatwoods, open meadows, cypress swamps and oak hammocks.
There are roughly 16 trails, totaling almost 10 miles, for walking, hiking and biking. The longest, the River Walk Trail, is 2 miles in length.
In addition, the park lists another 7 miles of equestrian paths and 5 miles of canoeing/kayaking waterways.
“Battle & Paddle” tour in Jupiter
When: July 6 from 10 a.m. to 1p.m.
Where: Riverbend Park in Jupiter, located at 9060 W Indiantown Road in Jupiter
More information: Please call 561-747-0063
Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Bunker Hill? Preservationists offer tour of Second Seminole War battle this July 4 weekend
Reporting by Antonio Fins, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
