Located just east of Gulf Breeze, Florida, on U.S. Highway 98, this beautiful national park area preserves the site of America's first federal tree farm.
Established by order of President John Quincy Adams, the Naval Live Oaks Reserve began operation in 1829. Its purpose was to serve as a renewable source of live oak timber for use by the U.S. Navy in building warships. Nearby Pensacola was the site of an important Navy Yard and wood from the reserve was used there to build and repair ships during the days of the sail navy.
The days of wooden ships are long since over, but the Naval Live Oaks Reserve remains a beautiful nature preserve. Now part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, it features a visitor center, picnic area and beautiful walking trails leading through the oaks and along the shores of Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay.
To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/navalliveoaks.
2 comments:
The Naval Live Oaks Reserve is a fun please for the family. We've been many times. In addition to the beautiful trees there is great hiking trails, a swimming area, picnic tables, a group picnic area, and great fishing.
It is all a-bloom now- April...
Our painting group enjoyed it yesterday!
Plein Air Painters of Pensacola
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