Ride to Olustee Battle Festival (Ride Leader Dave Rogers)

      The battle actually developed in political strategy meetings in the White House of President Abraham Lincoln. With his chances for reelection much in question, Lincoln and his advisors believed lightly defended Florida could be subdued and returned to the Union in time for the 1864 elections, giving Lincoln its electoral votes.  Jacksonville was invaded via the sea and occupied, shortly afterwards Union troops marched westward toward Lake City, Florida.  On February 20, 1864, a major Civil War battle took place in the open pine woods between Jacksonville and Lake City near Ocean Pond.  On this day in 1864, at the Battle of Olustee a Confederate force decisively defeats a larger Union army in the pine woods of Northeast Florida.  A stunning Confederate victory, the Battle of Olustee was the largest Civil War battle fought in Florida and dashed Union dreams of conquering the state in time for its electoral votes to figure in the 1864 Presidential election.  The victory kept the Confederates in control of Florida's interior for the rest of the war.

      On Saturday, February 18^th join us as we retrace the road to Olustee just before the big battle. Confederate camps will be engaged in typical period activities; cleaning weapons, chopping wood, building earth works, drilling, etc.  Reenactors portray civilians going about daily life as they would have in February 1864.  People perform household duties, shopping for essentials, sewing, spinning, and going about daily life until the Union troops are on the move.  Union troops will have the opportunity to raid, scout, and advance on the Confederate fortifications.  Scripted scenarios will provide first person for reenactos and alke.   http://www.battleofolustee.org/advice.htm    A t 3:30 pm there is a demonstration battle, with both sides fighting it out with muskets and cannons.   Cost $7 entry fee.  Approximate Trip length/time: 100 miles/4-6 hours