Poker run to teach Civil War history

MILTON — The Bagdad Waterfronts Florida Partnership nonprofit organization alongside the Blackwater Pyrates are sponsoring the first Blackwater Poker Run event. It is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28 starting at the Milton River Walk.

This first year's theme will follow the historic 1862 Civil War Route of Confederate Lt. Col. William Beard's Raid into the Blackwater River. His orders were to follow a scorched earth policy and burn every saw mill and destroy resources like lumber and cotton that the enemy may use prior to the Confederate evacuation of northwest Florida.

During this raid, his command traveled from Gulf Breeze on a steamer ship up Blackwater Bay and River destroying the economic infrastructure of Santa Rosa County. The mission continued back across to Escambia Bay and up the river burning mills and supplies.

The Poker Run will feature seven card stops along the river that are the historic locations of events that took place during the raid. At these stops, participants will gain a card to form a hand that they can play at the end of the run to win cash prizes.

The course roughly covers eight miles of the river and will offer participants a chance to learn local history from University of West Florida students and explore the river like never before using the newly developed virtual Blackwater Maritime Heritage Trail.

Registration will be $25.00 per person and will cover a gift bag and meal voucher.

Email blackwaterpokerrun@gmail.com for registration and information.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Poker run to teach Civil War history