The past refuses to lie down and be quiet.
Instead it sits up with a volley of gunfire, the rustle of petticoats and language not heard in these here parts for 150 years or more.
History Reenactments bring Florida’s past alive
Capped canon at Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
Pick a weekend, any weekend, during the fall and winter months and history comes alive somewhere in Florida. See Civil War reenactments or battles from the Seminole Indian wars plus daily life in a Spanish garrison, complete with canons going boom – always a hit with my boys.
During the month of October the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine has historic weapons demonstrations five times a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. That is a lot of boom. I wonder what the locals think.
Rangers and volunteers dress in period costumes (heavy wool, this is why reenactments are done in the fall and winter when such things are bearable) and explain the weapons and daily life for a colonial Spanish soldier in the 1740’s.
Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
Weapons demonstrations take place on the northeast gun deck, the upstairs of the fort. Since all this is outside under the famous Florida sun, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
Admission to the Castillo is $6 for anyone age 16 and up. Keep your ticket; it is good for seven days. Under the age of 15 admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Of course, being a national monument, Golden Access and Golden Age passports are accepted. Web site: www. Nps.gov/casa. Phone: (904) 829-6505. Address: 1 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, Fl. 32084
Demonstrations times may change due to weather. The listed times are 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Street parking is as rare as the Holy Grail. The recommended alternative is a great new parking garage right across from the Castillo.
Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach tells the story of both sides of the Civil War. No battles were fought here but troops occupied and kept on building up the fortifications during the Civil and Spanish-American wars.
History reenactments capture both side of the Civil War
FIre! Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach, Union Garrison
The first weekend Union Garrison has living historians doing everything from soldier drills to laundry duty, all done in the language of the day.
Every first weekend garrison also has a candlelight viewing on Saturday evening (except December). I highly recommend seeing the fort at night by candlelight.
Barracks, Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
On Oct. 9-10 the Confederate Garrison takes over, doing the same duties. Hours for these reenactments are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-12 on Sunday.
For all details see the fort’s web site: www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch
Reenactors take their roles very seriously. A Union soldier said he read letters from soldiers stationed here and made a character based on those stories.
The normal park admission of $6 a car (up to eight people) applies along with a $2 per person fort admission.
The battle that started the Second Seminole War in 1835 gets replayed every year at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell. The dates are Jan. 1 and 2, 2011.
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park (15 miles east of Lake City) is the site of Florida’s largest Civil War clash with over 10,000 troops fighting a five-hour battle in a pine forest. A re-enactment takes place Feb. 19-20, 2011. Nearby Lake City has an Olustee Festival and Craft show on Feb. 18-19.
Whether you are a history buff who likes to step back in time or someone looking for authentic Florida adventures you haven’t had before, living history reenactments figure in your future.
Lucy Beebe Tobias is an author and writes about undiscovered Florida
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