#2 - Hurricane of 1843

The marker on this tree indicates the height of the wall of water passing over this area during the great hurricane of September 13, 1843. Losses in both lives and property were high. The nearby towns of Port Leon, St. Marks, Magnolia and Rock Haven, located on the St. Marks River, were leveled. With the exception of the Lighthouse tower, every building in the area was destroyed and 14 persons lost. After the hurricane, Port Leon was abandoned; the merchants moved further up the St. Marks River and settled in Newport and St. Marks.

catface tree