James Harrell It is best to keep them as plain as possible. You are visiting this site because you are fascinated with the American Civil War. Website for Olustee Festival and Craft Show in Lake City, Olustee Battlefield State Historic Park website, Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park, Seaweed Update: Florida beaches brace for 'the bog', Brooksville Blueberry Festival: April 29-30, 2023, 23 best Florida bike trails: Our favorites for scenic bicycling. Barbara Witt **We honor the legacy that was set before us by Col. Robert Niepert. The first major public reenactment was held in 1911 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. We strive to match the standard of excellence he established during his many, many years as the Original Creator and Editor of this site.**. Civil War reenactments first began during the Civil War itself, when both Union and Confederate soldiers would stage mock battles in order to train for actual combat. My first impression was thatthe rendezvouswas amere excuse for adults to play Dress-Up and Cowboys &Indians. I would eventually learn, though,that living history events and historical war reenactments arefar more than childhood games. There should be no adornments or brass letters or numbers on the hats. Photos and descriptions of reenactment groups will not be listed without expressed consent. The Olustee Battlefield CitizenSupport Organizationis the primary host of the event, and their website contains detailed information about the schedule and content of the reenactment. Jun 10-11 MI, Chesterfield. Avoid the blue speckle-ware that is sold by certain sutlers, it is not period and looks ridiculous. Observers can easily navigate around the perimeter of the battlefield to view the conflict from various angles, almost like a theater in the round. History comes alive every February at the annual Civil War Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee. Tearing down Confederate statues is like the Taliban blowing up the Great Buddha statues in Afghanistan, or ISIS destroying archaeological sites in Iraq. The original Union monument was made of wood that deteriorated, so a replica was recreated at the adjacent cemetery outside the park gates, thought to be its original location. Re-publication without written permission is against the law. Either one of these will cost approximately $450 $500 new. They are different for each type of musket. Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. | Contact Us. Gainesville FL 32641, 6239 State Road 21 The living history weekend features a Civil War-era battle reenactment on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., as well as the reenactment of the Battle of Olustee on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Period music concerts and crafts, lectures, battlefield surgical practices and the lives of both white and black civilians during the war are portrayed by reenactors. Mess Kit Each soldier needs to eat. I was surprisingly moved bythe realismof the dramatized medical demonstration following the battle. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Floridas largest Civil War battle is remembered at its battlefield. Formal retreatfor Final Volley and Thanks. The sight of Union and Confederatecavalry emerging from the pines onto the battlefield, the sounds of explosivessending palmettos soaring high into the air, and medics and chaplains ministering to the wounded and dying scattered across the ground all make for a moving, realisticexperience. No entrance fee is required. The color should be gray, brown, or some earthy color. Milsurpia is not responsible for anything a encountered after leaving this domain. After Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States on November 6, 1860, Florida and 10 other Southern states chose to secede, severing their ties with the rest of the country. Canteen This is a must. A small frying pan could substitute for the plate, especially if the unit does not have a Mess and you are required to cook for yourself. During Civil War Heritage Days, Fort Zachary Taylor and the surrounding areas transform into a lively 1861 community comprised of Union and Confederate soldiers, craftsmen and townspeople. Except for reenactment weekend, the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is a peaceful rural site through which the Florida National Scenic Trail passes. This article is property of FloridaRambler.com, protected by U.S. Caution: Milsurpia does not support or condone any extremist, or anti-American organizations or activities. Many reenactment groups, museums, and militaria collects accurately portray the history of previous conflicts which may include the display of flags and logos deemed sensitive to some. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Our unit is comprised of members of the Mifflin Guard, PRVC and additional, we on occasion attend events with the other Bucktail groups. Meanwhile, folks in Lake City whose ancestors fought on both sides of the Civil War work together in a group called the Blue-Grey Army, whose purpose is to promote knowledge about Olustees history. But Civil War monuments can still stir controversy around here. In a reenactment, Confederate troops advance to meet the attacking Union army during the battle at the Brooksville Raid, Saturday, Jan. 19 . And the 2nd Wisconsin of the Iron Brigade elcome! Although thereenactment includeslots of action, men on horseback, bloodcurdling screams and gunfire, this narrated presentationfeelsmore like a play on an outdoor stage. To submit a show for consideration please feel free to contact us here. A sutler is generally known as a person who followed an army selling their wares. We are made up of women, men, and children. He is and he is a member of an excellent Civil War reenacting group, some of the best Rebels I have ever been in contact with. The normal eastern impression would use a forage cap, kepi or slouch hat. Not a necessity but generally part of the standard kit. This list is by no means complete. The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. The best advice is to discuss all purchases with members of our unit. Participants often stay in character throughout the event, sleeping in period-appropriate tents and eating food cooked over an open fire. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . 46th Annual Reenactment and 159th Anniversary of the Battle of Olustee begins- Florida's largest Civil War battle 2:45 p.m. Please reach out to me. But as history buffs who enjoy living history rather than just reading about it, The Leon Rifles sometimes portray other soldiers or civilians from the pages of US history. Check websites for more details, including entry fees. Blanket A good, thick woolen blanket is a necessity. Despite the smaller scale of this reenactment, the beach landingis a dramatic introductionto the land battle. The annual battle is expected to attract as many as 2,000 reenactors from around the country and 25,000 viewers, according to Jeff Grzelak, a reenactor from Orlando who had been at every Battle of Olustee, he says, except the one in 1864, when we spoke with him a few years ago. THE U.S. MUDDY RIVER BATTALION is a Civil War Reenactment umbrella organization of company level units that have come together to . From my home in Fort Lauderdale, I forget that I live in a state that was part of the Confederacy. It was a Confederate victory; Union forces retreated to Jacksonville. 15th St. Musket & Bayonet The two most common weapons used by reenactors are the Enfield and Springfield muskets. Its an imposing tower that looks like part of a castle. Reenactment organization locations are represented as having a "Headquarters". Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. The event roster for the 2021-2022 Civil War and Living History reenacting season is currently posted. I'm in Florida but might as well be on the far side of the moon from . They share one thing in common passion for parks. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The re-enactment group just celebrated 33 years as a re-enactment regiment. The battle reenactment, which includes a skirmish on Saturday and a scripted battle on Sunday, is dramatic and spectacular, according to Park Service Specialist Andrea Thomas. Where:Dade Battlefield Historic State Park,Bushnell There were occasional conflicts with neighboringSeminoles at the fort, but only one documentedskirmish when the natives attempted to burn the bridge. Event location 47275 Sugarbush Rd . When:January or February (open to the public Saturday and Sunday). Florida's largest full time Union Army. We support Hardy's Brigade, Florida Battalion, Liberty Guards, PACS and 4th Brigade US. Except for reenactment weekend, the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is a peaceful rural site through which the Florida National Scenic Trail passes. 1 Living History & Historical War Reenactments in Florida 1.1 Castillo de San Marcos National Monument 1.2 The Dade Massacre 1.3 The Fort Foster Rendezvous 1.4 The Alafia River Rendezvous 1.5 The St. Andrews Bay Salt Works Raid 1.6 The Battle of Olustee Reenactment 1.7 The Battle of Bowlegs Creek 1.8 The Brooksville Raid 2 Map It! There are several monuments at Olustee Battlefield State Historic Park: The largest Confederate one was erected in 1912 before a crowd of 4,000 including many Confederate veterans. I, Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A, Incorporated, 11th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut, Van Dyke's Howitizers 1st Florida Artillery. History Alive All Eras Living History Timeline. The event roster for the 2021-2022 Civil War and Living History reenacting season is currently posted. Although these are not battle reenactments, they are the only known Colonial military displays in the state. Duane, just saw your comment and question. The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, continues to live on in the form of living history reenactments. The North Florida Artillerywas incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Sutlers: You will often see information regarding sutlers on various websites and event listings. The annual Fort Foster Rendezvous features military demonstrations and a small reenactment thatis loosely based on the skirmishand varies from year to year. Hiking at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park: A one-mile trail with interpretive signs follows the battle lines. Thank you for visiting and God Bless America and God Bless our history. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. A Short History of Florida in the Civil War. Some of these historical recreations even take place on actual American Civil War battlefields. In 1977, a few hundred reenactors began the annual recreation of the battle. Copyright 2014, in compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, by Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine. Florida Civil War Reenactments CHOOSE MONTH CHOOSE STATE CITY WITHIN MILES SEARCH NOW Add Event MAP Event Schedule Civil War reenactments first began during the Civil War itself, when both Union and Confederate soldiers would stage mock battles in order to train for actual combat. The excitement includes a Duval Street parade, weapons demos, reenactments and is complete with a sea battle and blockade-runner's trial Although there are modern camping facilities available outside the rendezvous encampment, the most authentic way to experience pre-1840s life is to pitch a tent or tipi in the primitive camp. Of all the historical reenactment organizations out there, American Civil War groups are some of the most prolific. Sergeant Drew BellTheLeonRifles@gmail.com. More advice for visitors to the Civil War reenactment. If looking to dive into reenacting, the number one piece of advice is to speak to a unit before making purchases. Each unit has a different function and will provide a much different experience. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. There are cavalry runs with horses, pyrotechnics, big guns it looks like a real battle.. Slouch hats were used by Confederates about 80% of the time. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. It was a vivid portrayalof the physical and emotional pain endured by soldiers on both sides of the conflict. They will also demonstrate the assembly and wearing of the Great Kilt . Our unit, based in Tallahassee and North Florida, does this strictly because we enjoy history and enjoy each others company. 2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry Regiment, CSA, Belt Buckle Within our unit, buckles should always include either aGeorgiaframe, British snake tongue, or roller buckle, Optional: Breastplate and Cartridge Box Plate.