REENACTMENT TO TELL THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF OLUSTEE

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 6, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

REENACTMENT TO TELL THE STORY OF THE BATTLE OF OLUSTEE

~Living historians act out Florida's largest Civil War battle~

Olustee

OLUSTEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service hosts the 39th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park from Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 15.

At the event, more than 2,000 demonstrators will present living history impressions of military and civilian life at the time of Florida’s largest Civil War battle. Other activities throughout the weekend include period music concerts, crafts, lectures, demonstrations on battlefield surgical practices and portrayal of the lives of both white and black civilians during the war. Military camps and drills by infantry and artillery are scheduled throughout the weekend, along with color ceremonies, cavalry, authentic camps, exhibits, food and much more.

The Battle of Olustee was fought on Feb. 20, 1864. Full-scale artillery, mounted cavalry and three African-American regiments took part in the battle that ended with 2,807 casualties and a Confederate victory.

On Friday, Feb. 13, educational programs are planned for students. School groups may call 386-397-7009 to register for the event. Food concessions will be available. Pets are not allowed at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park during the reenactment. The Olustee Battle Civil War Reenactment is sponsored by the Florida Park Service, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Olustee Battlefield Citizen Support Organization and The Blue Grey Army of Florida, Inc.

Event entry is $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children ages four and younger.

WHAT:        Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee

WHERE:     Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

                   5815 Battlefield Trail Road

                   Olustee, FL 32087

For a detailed schedule of events click here.

For more information, call 1-877-635-3655, email olusteecso@yahoo.com or visit http://battleofolustee.org.