Dade Battle Reenactment is this weekend

[Patocazador]

Major Dade of the US Army was traveling from Tampa, Fla. (Fort Brooks) to Ocala, Fla. (Fort King) in 1835 when his group was ambushed by Seminole Indians. There were only 3 survivors. The reenactment is held every year at Dade Battlefield state park using period-authentic uniforms and weapons.
Besides the battle reenactment, there are exhibits by both Seminole Indians and other individuals.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Dade-Battlefield

 

[BillinOregon]

Fascinating. I know next to nothing about Florida history.

 

[Don Steele]

C'mon down sometime Bill. We'll show you around.
Most folks fail to remember that the Spanish had a permanent settlement established in Florida Waaayyyy before those famous "Pilgrims" stumbled into Massachusetts.

 

[BillinOregon]

Thanks Don. Back when I was a newspaper guy I did some training at the Poynter Institute in St. Pete. Ate catfish, plantain, hush puppies, Key lime pie, took in the palms and the pink hotels. It was February and weather was lovely. Then back home to the cold mud of Oregon. Quite a contrast!

 

[Patocazador]

I have lived less than 6 miles from this battle site since 1976 and had never gone until I took my wife and granddaughter this last Saturday.
I was overwhelmed by the reenactment by the volunteers. There were over 50 members of the federal troops all with authentic wool uniforms, great coats and accoutrements. The battle itself lasted almost an hour but seemed like 10 minutes because it was so exciting and interesting. All of the horses could be shot off of without shying and great horsemanship was demonstrated as a Seminole warrior galloped his horse after an escaping soldier. The Seminole fired the rifle one-handed at the soldier when the barrel end was about 10" in front of the horses head. The horse was at full gallop and did not react in any manner.
A 6-pound cannon fired over a dozen rounds and several large pine trees were "chopped down" (simulated) and a breastwork was built while they were under fire.

I would rate it a 9.5 out of 10. It's hard to impress me but I will attend every year now. I am just sorry I didn't start going 40 years ago.

My 9 y.o. granddaughter thought it was as good as the Taylor Swift concert she went to on Halloween.

 

[Patocazador]

I took many photos and videos but here are some fine scenes of a previous reenactment from the official website.
http://dadebattlefield.com/photo - 2010.html

 

[BillinOregon]

Very impressive. Those uniform hats are quite something.