St. Benedict's Episcopal Church

"Loxahatchee Canoe Trip"

The beautiful Loxahatchee River (named "lowchow" turtle "hatchee" river by the Seminole Indians) has remained virtually unchanged throughout history.
Its narrow winding channels are canopied for most of the river by majestic cypress trees.
More than 163 years ago on the plot of land near the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, Red and Black Seminoles fought U.S. soldiers.
The Battle of the Loxahatchee took place on Jan. 24, 1838.

Archaeologists brought in to survey the area were impressed with the density of prehistoric material, and suggested that there was "evidence of a continual
time line of use of the area by historic and prehistoric civilizations as far back as the Paleo-Indian period." (10,000 B.C. to 6500 B.C.).
Their survey resulted in the assessment of 50 historic, archaeological and architectural sites which include: prehistoric villages and camps,
two 19th century Seminole villages, evidence of the two battles fought in the Second Seminole War, pioneer homesteads, and farms.

The Loxahatchee River attracts and supports many species of native plants and animals.
The canoeist may encounter common species such as turtles, raccoons, alligators, otters or deer as well as species on the
United States and Federal lists of Endangered Species.