Camp Milton Historical Preserve

Description:
The Camp Milton Historic Preserve acquired significance during the American Civil War. Three miles of earth and timber fortifications were erected along the west bank of McGirts Creek in February/March 1864, as over 8,000 troops arrived at the site to provide the first line of defense against the Union forces in Jacksonville. The camp was named in honor of John Milton (1807-1865), Florida’s governor during most of the Civil War. After a portion of the remaining earthworks was discovered in 1973, efforts began to acquire the property. The State of Florida purchased the initial tract in 1981 and later leased it to the City of Jacksonville, which acquired additional acreage through the work of Preservation Project Jacksonville and its non-profit partners. The major development project was completed in the summer of 2006, and the new preserve opened to the public in September.

Features:

The Garner property—which includes 85 acres of the historical preserve’s 348 acres—is fully developed with park amenities including nature trails and boardwalk, education center, restrooms, parking, historical signs, historic tree areas, and a bridge over McGirts Creek.

Camp Milton Historical Preserve also features an equestrian trail running adjacent to the Rails to Trails Project from Imeson Trailhead to the Baldwin Trailhead.

Future amenities include a civil war canon, proposed reconstructed historic “cracker” farm, Florida Civil War Museum, picnic pavilions, a Civil War reenactment area, and a company street and immersion camping area.

Location:

1175 Halsema Rd
Jacksonville, Florida 32221

Camp Milton Historical Preserve is located in west Jacksonville along the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail.