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more. [12] However as of 2022 there is still no monument to the Union dead of this battle.[13]. The US Forest Service has restored the former railroad depot at the center of town as a visitor center and museum for forest visitors. So, a few years ago, when the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War asked to place a more prominent Union memorial within the park boundaries, people objected, partly because the United Daughters of the Confederacy originally donated the park land to Florida. During most of the year, free parking for visitors is available right inside the entrance. No shuttle buses will operate west of the battlefield. The American Battlefield Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Unincorporated community in Florida, United States. This article about a location in Baker County, Florida is a stub. The park is located 50 miles (80km) west of Jacksonville and 15 miles (24km) east of Lake City, on U.S. 90. The site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, the Battle of Olustee. The Confederates did make a final attempt to engage the rear element of Seymour's forces just before nightfall, but they were repulsed by elements of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment and the 35th United States Colored Troops, both composed of Black soldiers. Museum and restrooms open 9 AM to 5 PM. The Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park and annual reenactment site is located on U.S. 90, 15 miles east of Lake City and 50 miles west of Jacksonville. This park is located within the Osceola National Forest, on U.S. 90. PALESTINE LAKE NR OLUSTEE,FL. The trail is open. They are very careful not to re-fight the Civil War: Yes, we may play Dixie from time to time, that is because we are in the south and it represents the local heritage, the Blue-Grey Armys policy statement says. It's barbaric! Website for Olustee Festival and Craft Show in Lake City, Olustee Battlefield State Historic Park website, Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park, Kelly Park at Rock Springs: Beautiful park, cool swimming, shady campground, Best snorkeling in Florida without a boat. Two years later, the Florida Legislature appropriated $2,500.00 and established a commission to oversee construction of the monument. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is a Florida State Park in the Osceola National Forest, near the town of Olustee. Hotel in Live Oak, FL | Quality Inn Official Site | Quality Inn 306156 [1] Olustee is an unincorporated community in Baker County, Florida, United States. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. Posted on Last updated: February 19, 2023, Categories Historic Florida, Northeast Florida. Bldg F, Suite 210 The battle ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville until the war's end just 14 months later. Find directions to Olustee, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more. Throughout the day on February 20, the soldiers battled. After years of fundraising by theUnited Daughters of the Confederacy, in 1909the Florida Legislature acquired three acresto build a memorial to commemorate the event. Gen. This park tells the story of Florida's largest Civil War battle, which took place Feb. 20, 1864. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery troops fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee. Map Information, National Forests in Florida Supervisor's Office Stay up-to-date on the American Battlefield Trust's battlefield preservation efforts, travel tips, upcoming events, history content and more. It depicts soldiers of the 8th U.S. Boating Copyright 2023 Olustee Battlefield Citizens Support Organization, Inc. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Citizens Support Organization, The Battle of Olustee and the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park: aBrief History, Men and Arms: Sketches of the Commanders and Units of the Olustee Campaign, The Confederate Roll of Honor: Southern Casualties at the Battle of Olustee, The Union Roll of Honor: Union Casualties at the Battle of Olustee. African-American reenactors are less common, but because of the three colored units in Olustee, Grzelak said black reenactors from around the country participate. The name "Olustee" is from the nearby Olustee Creek whose name derives from the Creek (Muscogee) language ue-lvste (/oy-lst-i/) meaning "black water". The weekend of living history activities includes exhibits, parades, period music concerts as well as restaging the battle. By the following month, Gillmore ordered an expedition into Florida to secure Union enclaves, sever Confederate supply routes, and recruit black soldiers. In addition, the Florida Trail goes through the Historic Site, with the Olustee Trailhead close to the main entrance on U.S. 90. 46. History comes alive every February at the annual Civil War Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee. According to some Confederate memoirs and letters, Confederate troops killed most of the wounded and captured black Union soldiers. Famous Colored Regiments among 10,000 troops who fought at Olustee. at Olustee Battlefield State Historic Park. Enjoy the boat launch for easy access into the water. The name "Olustee" is from the nearby Olustee Creek whose name derives from the Creek (Muscogee) language ue-lvste (/oy-lst-i/) meaning "black water". Both vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy near the park entrance, so please use caution. Meeting little resistance, he proceeded towards the state capital of Tallahassee, against orders, assuming that he would face only the small Florida militia. The Battle Re-enactment is held annually at the Olustee Battlefield State Park. Living historians will portray such people as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. Duane, just saw your comment and question. A large selection of modern-day food is continuously available from Friday through Sunday at the park.[2]. 850-523-8500, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recreation/recarea/?recid=83559, fishing web page before you grab your gear. On October 23, 1912, veterans of the Battle of Olustee gathered with dignitaries to dedicate the memorialand the state's first historic site. The Olustee Depot is a small building with a big history. The sandy beach at Ocean Pond offers a chance to cool off onhot summer days. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry and artillery troops fought in the pine forest near Olustee. The real unit spent the end of the war guarding the St. Johns River in Florida. This site was originally based on four booklets developed by theOlustee Battlefield Historic State Park Citizens Support Organization: However, much additional information was generously supplied by numerous individuals and organizations with a special interest in the Battle of Olustee. Everybody wants to be the underdog, he explained. Baker County, FL | Feb 20, 1864 In February 1864, the commander of the Union Department of the South, Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, launched an expedition into Florida to secure Union enclaves, sever Rebel supply routes, and recruit black soldiers. Union General Truman Seymour had landed troops at Jacksonville, aiming chiefly to disrupt Confederate food supply. The public is invited to attend on Friday (no battle reenactment), and on Saturday and Sunday. Its an imposing tower that looks like part of a castle. (As William Faulkner famously wrote: The past is never dead. In 1912, when many living Civil War veterans still attended reunions, the battlefield became the state's first historic site. [6] The Confederate Congress even passed a resolution to officially thank the rebel soldiers. Sign up to receive the latest information on the American Battlefield Trust's efforts to blaze The Liberty Trail in South Carolina. It was a Confederate victory; Union forces retreated to Jacksonville. Brig. Programs are offered throughout the weekend, including the program Saturday at 11 a.m. on the participation in the Civil War of people of color. National Forests in Florida - Olustee Depot Visitor Center Enjoy this 3.0-mile out-and-back trail near Olustee, Florida. Confederates in Charleston sent reinforcements under General Alfred H. Colquitt and the two armies collided near Ocean Pond in Olustee. 325 John Knox Road Finegan possessed only 500 men at Lake City, but reinforcements were arriving. Not just known for the history of the famous battle, visitors to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park can see abundant animal and plant life in this wild and wonderful place. Under the title of Olustee Battlefield, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on 12 August 1970. Union forces also lost six artillery pieces and 39 horses that were captured. Civil War Memory in Florida", Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park Citizens Support Organization, Olustee Battlefield Page: Battle maps, photos, history articles, and battlefield news (CWPT), Florida's Office of Cultural and Historical Programs, Facebook fan site for Battle of Olustee reenactment, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Olustee&oldid=1162392995. Cloud reflection in still water, Ocean Pond, Olustee, Florida Geologists don't seem to agree on the origin of Ocean Pond. During most of the year, free parking for visitors is available right inside the entrance. We want to help people moving to or living in Olustee to understand the dynamics of the city, so we have put together information gathered from . Fishing dock and pond, Ocean Pond, Olustee, Florida The Olustee time zone is Eastern Daylight Time which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). They share one thing in common passion for parks. website belongs to an official government organization in the Men and Arms: Sketches of the Commanders and Units of the Olustee Campaign. A reenactment is held every February. Swim along a shallow sandy beach and watch the water birds wade through the cypress. (In Lake City, some merchants will have flyers with a $3 off coupon.). However, much additional information . Florida requires a state license for all fishing activities. The Battle of Olustee and the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park: a Brief History. If coming from the south on I-75, it might be faster to go north to I-10 exit, then east to the U.S. 90 exit as stated above. History of Olustee. Colored Troops took part in the battle, including the now famous 54th Massachusetts. Open 8 AM to sunset daily. Olustee Battlefield | Civil War museum hiking | Florida Hikes connected to the .gov website. Fish from either the shoreline or drop your boat into the water for deeper lake fishing. 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. Campsite List.