by Commissioner Hal Valeche
 
I think most of us can agree that living in Palm Beach County affords us a slice of paradise every day, but have you ever taken the time to explore some of our rich history?  Several of our county park facilities include fascinating historical sites and structures, marking the early beginnings of this diverse community.
 
One of the most significant sites in North County is within Riverbend Park, in Jupiter.  The park, located at 9060 Indiantown Road, provides beautiful recreational opportunities in a naturally preserved habitat and is the site of the Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park, the gateway to the Loxahatchee River.  Archeological discoveries there have revealed ancient habitation as far back as the Archaic Period over 5,000 years ago.  The goal of the Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park is to preserve and protect these treasures while providing education and passive recreation to the public.

The first battle of the Loxahatchee took place on January 15, 1838 under the command of Lt. Levin M. Powell.  The inexperienced USN Waterborne Everglades Expeditionary Unit was soundly defeated by the Seminole Indians.  The heroic actions of Joseph E. Johnston, who directed a rear guard action, prevented an all-out massacre.

Soon after, on January 24, 1838, Major General Thomas S. Jesup commanded 1,500 troops in the defeat of three hundred Seminoles in the last standing battle of the Second Seminole War.  The Tennessee Volunteers, led by Major William Lauderdale, sustained most of the casualties.  Following the Battle, General Jesup petitioned Washington to allow the Seminoles to remain in the Everglades and end the war, but the request was denied, and 600 Seminoles were captured under a white flag of truce at Fort Jupiter.

Battle reenactments are frequently staged at special events and throughout Riverbend Park, the public is invited to explore the extensive system of self-guided trails and to experience the park's preserved natural resources through hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking.

The new park improvements include the construction of a 4,500 square foot building housing public restrooms and staff offices, reconfiguration of the entrance to provide paved parking spaces, and construction of a plaza/overlook for the adjacent Loxahatchee Battlefield Park.  Underground utilities now connect the improvements to the Town of Jupiter's water and sewer systems.

The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. While most county parks allow dogs on a 6-foot leash unless otherwise posted, Riverbend/Loxahatchee Battlefield Park DOES NOT allow dogs, due to the historical sites and artifacts, and the unique nesting wildlife found there.

Your Palm Beach County government believes that promoting the stewardship of natural, archaeological and cultural sites is one of our core services.  Riverbend Park, which is home to the annual Pioneer Farmstead Day event, helps enhance the rural character of our western Jupiter communities and is an oasis of beauty for residents and visitors to our great county.

I encourage you to explore more of Palm Beach County's history soon.  You will truly find it an enriching experience.
As always, if there is any way that my staff and I can be of any assistance to you, please contact us at (561) 355-2201 or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org.