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Living History Events in or near Florida - Seminole and Creek
The 1st full weekend in January. 2nd Seminole War Reenactment. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. The Seminole resistance to removal from Florida brought about the Second Seminole War. The first battle with federal troops started on December 28,1835, when a column of 107 soldiers led by Major Francis Dade were ambushed by the Seminole warriors along the Fort King road. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is located in Sumter County, a short distance from I-75 and S.R. 48, west of Highway 301. the address is 7200 CR-603 (South Battlefield Drive), Bushnell, Florida 33513
The Saturday of the 2nd full weekend in January. 2nd Seminole War Living History Event. A Day in Florida History at the Spring Garden Plantation. 9:00, a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch, lawn chairs, and swimming/snorkeling gear! Re-enactors' please call the park at 386-985-4212 to register. Reenactors' dinner is at the picnic tables at 4pm. Take US Hwy 17 North from Deland for approximately six miles, following the State Park signs. Turn left onto Ponce DeLeon Blvd and you will travel approximately one mile to the entrance to DeLeon Springs State Park.
The 1st full weekend in February. 2nd Seminole War Reenactment. Okeechobee Battlefield. The Battle of Okeechobee took place on 25 December 1837. The reenactment takes place on a 55 acre parcel of the original 640-acre battlefield site, most of which is in private ownership. From downtown Okeechobee, turn left/East when 441 comes to the T-junction at the North end of Lake Okeechobee, the site is located on 441 SE Two miles east of the Taylor Creek Bridge.
The 4th weekend in February. 2nd Seminole War Reenactment. Billie Swamp Safari in the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, on Hwy 833 near Clewiston, FL. Turn west at the Museum, then after a couple miles turn right/north at the cell phone tower, towards the Swamp Safari. Living history for students on Friday. Battles on Sat & Sun. Modern & Period vendors. Competitions. Aligator wrestling. Breakfast and Supper for reenactors on Sat & Sun.
The 3rd weekend in March. 2nd Seminole War Reenactment. Fort Cooper Days. Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road, Inverness, Florida. From 9am to 4pm. Battle reenactments twice daily at 11am and 2pm. Living History demonstrations. Period Arts and Crafts. Entertainment, food and refreshments. General admission Adult $5 child 6 to 17 $1, under 6 free. From I-75, exit at SR-44 near Wildwood, take SR-44 West, once in Inverness, get into the left lane, turn left/South on US-41, get into the left lane, turn left at Eden Drive, then right/south at the stop sign, this puts you on Old Floral City Road, the park will be on your right less-than a mile up the road.
The 3rd weekend in March (SUBJECT TO CHANGE). Multi-period Florida history event. The Old Florida Festival at the Collier County Museum relives the past with many of Florida’s finest historical re-enactors, craftworkers and performers on the Museum’s native gardens and grounds in the Collier County Courthouse Complex at 3331 Tamiami Trail East in Naples FL 34112, just two miles from downtown Naples. The event includes: Stone Age Man, Calusa & Seminole Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, Cannon Firings, Seminole War Soldiers, British Red Coats, Civil War Camp and Dances, World War II Soldiers, Cracker Cowboys, BBQ, old-fashioned kettle corn and other delicious treats, broom-making, net-making, telegraph operation, soap-making, leather smithing, and other crafts, a play and live music. Public admission $5 for Adults, $2 for Children (8 to 18), and free for children under 8 years. Event Parking is free of charge and offers accessible parking spaces. Museum is fully accessible. Public call 239-252-8476 for more information. Reenactors register by calling David Southall at 239-252-8242 in advance they know how much food and blackpowder to provide.
The 4th weekend in March (SUBJECT TO CHANGE). 3rd Seminole War (1849-1858). Fort Chokonikla Encampment in Paynes Creek State Park 888 Lake Branch Road, Bowling Green, FL, 33834. Driving Directions: (78 miles SW of Orlando) Take U.S. 17 to Bowling Green and follow the signs at Main Street east to Lake Branch Road and the park. During the 1840s, tensions between the settlers and Seminole Indians prompted authorities to establish a trading post in Florida´s interior, away from settlements. Built in early 1849, the post was attacked and destroyed by Seminole warriors that summer. Later that same year Fort Chokonikla was built nearby as the first outpost in a chain of forts established to control the Seminoles. The Seminoles never attacked the fort, but the Army was nearly defeated by mosquitoes.
The 1st weekend in April. 2nd Seminole War Event. Fort Christmas Militia Encampment. 1300 Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420) Christmas, Florida 32709, Ph: 407-568-4149
The 3rd weekend in April. 2nd Seminole War Event. Encampment at Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084, Tel: 904-829-3168. This event is organized by the 7th Infantry. Spend the weekend speaking to visitors in Saint Augustine. Reenactor setup begins Friday at noon. Public hours are from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to noon on Sunday. There is plenty of shade. Event includes US Regular Infantry, Artillery and Dragoons, uniformed and non uniformed city militia, citizens/civilians of St. Augustine, and Seminoles both male and female. Ladies and gentlemen are encouraged to sport their finery. Do not set up your camp until you have been shown your area. There will be a designated parking area. Unload your gear and move your vehicle to that area. No vehicles may be in camp overnight during the event. The Fountain of Youth is an admission fee park. When arriving please let the fee booth know you are a part of the 7th Infantry Living history event. The overall commander for this event is Steve Abolt. Joe Blunt will serve as liaison between the site and participants. When in military formations COL. Abolt will command the Regular troops. LT Blunt will command the city militia. All participants staying on site should be in period tents. During public hours please no slat chairs. Fires will be placed in designated areas only. No fire pits may be dug! Firewood will be limited and is available for cook fires only. There is a modern restroom along with a water point. All participants staying off site are asked to be on site by 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. You are responsable for you own meals. Ms. Abolt will be operating a period and first person tavern out of her marquee. There will be refreshments, games, music, news and gossip of the day. The tavern will operate Friday evening, all day Saturday and into Saturday evening. Alcoholic beverages in the tavern are bring your own in a period bottle and my only be consumed after hours. There is no smoking, drunken or lewd behavior in the Tavern. Those wishing to demonstrate the firing of long arms will have an area set aside. No random discharge of weapons. Anyone who wishes to fire must provide their own cartridges. It is recommended that all participants, have a full cartridge box in case of need during the drill sessions.
The last Saturday in April. Timucua, Seminole & 1890's Event 10 am to 4 pm Farm and Forrest Festival at Morningside Living History Farm. Public Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3 to 12. Free for children under three. Morningside Nature Center is located at 3540 E. University Ave., three miles east of downtown Gainesville. For more information about this event, call Morningside Nature Center at 334-3326. Reenactors by invitation only.
Sat & Sun of Memorial Day Weekend in May. Yuchi/Creek War of 1836. Westville Historic Town on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in SE part of Lumpkin, GA 31815, Take Hwy 27 North from Tallahassee FL or Hwy 82/520 from I-75. Due to years of broken treaties and a new federal policy requiring the Indians to leave their native homes, Creek Indian tribes retaliated against settlers in 1836. Re-enactors in period clothing will portray soldiers assigned to protect local Westville citizens from Creek Indians as they attack the village. Lunch and Sat night dinner meal tickets provided to reenactors. Period camps or stay on the floor in the buildings on site.
The 4th Saturday in June, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. African, Spanish & Creek Event. Battle of Bloody Mose in Fort Mose Historic State Park. In 1738, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered the settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose for short, as a settlement for those fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas. Over the next 25 years, Fort Mose and Spanish Saint Augustine became a sanctuary for Africans seeking liberation from the tyranny of English slavery. In 1740, the British army marched into Florida and overran Fort Mose but days later Spanish and Fort Mose militia members defeated the British and prevented further invasion. Fort Mose was destroyed during this bloody battle. Join Fort Mose Historic State Park, the Fort Mose Historical Society, and Florida Living History Inc. as we commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Bloody Mose. This historical re-enactment will include demonstrations of 18th century colonial and military life, children’s activities, an African drumming demonstration, as well as battle re-enactments at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Limited parking is available at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Additional parking and a free shuttle service is available at the Old City Jail by Old Town Trolley. Regular park entrance fees apply to the public. 15 Fort Mose Trail St. Augustine Florida 32084, (904) 823-2232. Directions: From St. Augustine: From Hwy 1 in St. Augustine, drive north past Hwy 16. Look for a bronze statue on the right and a sign for Fort Mose. Turn right on Fort Mose Trail. Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. From Jacksonville: Drive south on Hwy 1. Turn left on Fort Mose Trail. (If you pass Hwy 16 you've missed Fort Mose Trail.) Fort Mose Trail dead ends into Fort Mose picnic area and parking lot. History: Francisco Menendez was the head of the black militia based at Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose. He is first traceable as a slave in South Carolina who, like many of his contemporaries, escaped to St. Augustine, Florida. In Florida he was granted his freedom as a subject to the King of Spain. From Fort Mose, Menendez led several raids on South Carolina. Menendez took to the seas on a Spanish ship to raid English vessels. During this time he was captured by the English and sold into slavery. He was then ransomed and returned to Florida. After his return to Florida he was asked to rebuild Fort Mose. The community of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose remained until the British took control of Florida in 1763 when they evacuated to Cuba where they founded a community called St. Augustine of the New Florida.
The 4th weekend in August. Creek War Event. Battle of Burt Corn at Fort Mims. Fort Mims Battle of 1813 Reenactment. Depicts reenactment of the battle of Burnt Corn and the battle of Fort Mims where 500 settlers, Indians, and militia lost their lives. Arts and crafts will be displayed, music, and food will be available. Small admission fee at gate. Port-O-Lets available. Limited spaces for mobile homes with electrical hook-up only.
Sat-Mon of Labor Day weekend in September. 2nd Seminole War Living History Event. Pioneer Days at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City, Florida. Located 1 mile North of Dade City off Highway 301/98. Look for the covered wagon museum sign on the east side of the road. Living history exhibits, skirmishes, 1860's fashion show, arts, crafts, food, native plants, etc.
The 4th Saturday in September. The Fort King Festival. Marion County Museum of History. THE MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY IN STORAGE SO THE FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE APPLETON MUSEUM 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala FL 34470-5001. A 1-day event, open to the Public from 10 AM to 4 PM. Have all vehicles out of camps by 9 AM. Needed are: historical camps of all times periods of Florida (Spanish, French, British, Seminole, Civil War, Spanish-American, WW I, WW II, etc.), demonstrations of period crafts, and traders. (Traders make a registration donation of $25). No food vendors because the festival meal tickets are the museum's main source of income for the year. The museum phone numbers are 352-629-2773 and 352-694-2529.
The weekend (Fri-Sun) surrounding the 3rd Saturday in October. 2nd Seminole War Event. Alligator Warrior Festival at O'Leno State Park. Battle of San Felasco Hammock. Experience a Native American gathering, dancers, musicians, artisans, traders and a living history event that includes a reenactment of the 18 September 1836 Battle of San Felasco Hammock. The annual Alligator Warrior Festival celebrates the early history of Columbia County and Alachua County Florida, pre-1859. In 1859 Alligator Town was renamed Lake City. When Florida became a territory of the U.S.A. in 1821, settlers from the U.S.A. formed their own town of Alligator alongside the Seminole village of Alligator and they lived in peace. After the 1823 Treaty of Moultrie Creek, the inhabitants of Alligator Village agreed to relocate to the Peace River inside the new Seminole reservation. The best known person from Alligator Village was Alligator Warrior (Hvlpvtv Tvstvnvke). He lead a band of warriors defending against U.S. forces during the 2nd Seminole War. He and his warriors joined Ote Emathla (Jumper) in the ambush and defeat of Major Dade's troops. Along with Arpeika and Cooacochee, Halpatter Tustenugee was one of the leaders in the Battle of Lake Okeechobee on Christmas Day 1837 against the US army under Col. Zachary Taylor and Col. Richard Gentry of the Missouri volunteers. The location of the battle we reenact during the festival is preserved as the beautiful San Felaso Hammock State Park which is located a short drive South East of O'Leno State Park, along Hwy 441, just southeast of Alachua FL. O'Leno State Park, 410 SE Oleno Park Road, High Springs, Florida 32643. Reenactors, Demonstrators, Traders and other participants can download detailed information and the registration form from the event web site.
The 2nd weekend in November 3rd Seminole War Event. Egmont Key - Discover the Island As the Third Seminole War drew to a close in the late 1850's, the last groups of Seminoles to be removed to the Arkansas Territory were held at Egmont Key. The last voyage of removal was in 1858 onboard the steamer "Grey Cloud". A living history event. Call 727-867-6569 to get the schedule for the Egmont Key Ferry leaves from the Bay Pier in Fort DeSoto State Park, located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde FL 33715. Reenactors may camp on the island and the Egmont Key Alliance will provide passage for reenactors who don't arrive in their own boat. Reenactors please contact Richard Sanchez at 813-361-7563 or rsancz@verizon.net to register.
The weekend before Thanksgiving in November. 2nd Seminole War Event. Fort Christmas Militia Encampment 1300 Fort Christmas Road (C.R. 420) Christmas, Florida 32709, Ph: 407-568-4149
Fri-Sat of Thanksgiving weekend in November. 2nd Seminole War Living History Event. Manatee Springs State Park. Near Chiefland, FL. It is a "wagon" ride back in time to the mid-1800s. The highlight is a visit to a small Seminole encampment back in the woods near the Suwannee River.
The 1st Saturday in December. Revolutionary War period British and Creek EventBritish Night Watch / The Grand Illumination. Spanish Quarter, St. Augustine, FL. Commencing from the Governor's House at the Plaza at 8 pm, thence to the City Gate and return. Loyal Citizens, British Troops and Creek Indians are asked to Partake of this Merriment, bearing Candles and Lanterns to light their way, making merry with Music and Good Company. The Parade shall conclude with a Volley of Joy and Caroling at the Plaza across from Government House.
Fri-Sat of the 2nd weekend in December. 2nd Seminole War Event. Fort Foster annual battle reeactment and candlelight tour. The fort is across US-301 from Hillsborough River State Park, located 9 miles north of Tampa and 6 miles south of Zephyrhills on US Highway 301. From I-75, South bound from Ocala take the SR 54. Exit #279 east to Hwy 301, travel South for 6 miles, and the fort will be on your left-hand side. Seminole reenactors try to take the fort or burn the bridge as the reenactor soldiers defend it.
Living History Events in or near Florida - Other
Calendar of Civil War Reenactments
Fort Matanzas National Monument, The first Saturday of each month is Cannon Day at Fort Matanzas. (When the first weekend is a holiday weekend, Cannon Day will be the second Saturday.) Re-enactors present cannon firings for all tours except for the 9:30 and 4:30 tours. Check the calendar above for specific dates. Evening Torchlight Tours are presented on one Saturday night in January and February.
Fort Marion / Castillo de San Marcos
British Night Watch / The Grand Illumination
Alafia River Rendezvous, 3rd-4th Weekend in January, The Southeast's largest pre-1840 interpretive encampment; hosted by the Florida Frontiersmen, every year over 1,200 participants come to Homeland, FL and live in camps and portray many different cultures and regions of early America. Only the final Saturday is open to the public.
Powwows, Gatherings and Festivals in or near Florida
Six Directions Traders Powwow Calendar
The Spike calendar of Native Events
A Gathering of Eagles: Pow-wow & Frontier Days in Folkston Georgia held on the the weekend closest to Veteran's Day (Fri, Sat & Sun).
Reenactor Resources
Units and Associations
The Florida Frontier Guard is an unincorporated association of like-minded reenactors intirested in interpreting the service of United States military personnel in Florida during the Seminole Wars of the 1818-1858 period; specifically those who served as "citizen soldiers" in the various militia and volunteer units which participated in these conflicts.
The 4th U.S. Infantry Company B We portray the 4th Infantry Regiment from 1835-1842.
The 7th U.S. Infantry Living History Association (The Cottonbalers) We portray the Seventh Infantry Regiment from 1810-1850. The Seventh Infantry is America's most decorated Regiment, and one of its oldest. Established on April 12, 1808, the 7th has participated in every American war, commencing with Tippecanoe in 1811. We primarily reenact the War of 1812 but are also present at many 2nd Seminole War events.
The St. Augustine Garrison is a group of re-enactors who portray the life and times of the Spanish soldiers and their families in 1740s Colonial Spanish Saint Augustine.
Florida Artist Blacksmith Association
Online Suppliers
Many events will have traders that can get you everything that you need but when they can't, then you have the internet.
AzRA Historical Resources and Pair-O-Dice Mercantile
Blockade Runner Suppliers to Civil War reenactors. Some 2nd Seminole War and Mexican War items also available.
Buffalo Bill's Shooting Store in Orlando. Black powder weapons and supplies.
C & D Jarnagin Company - Military Uniforms
Crazy Crow Trading Post largest supplier of Native American craft supplies
Ft. Downing Trading Co. a home based historical clothing business for men and women. We do our own sewing using authentic patterns of 18th Century life (French & Indian War and Revolutionary War).
Fugawee Boot Company Supplier of historically acurate footware.
Huberd’s leather care products
Loafers Glory Sutler Civil War items for men and women.
Log Cabin - Muzzle Loading Firearms & Kits
Loyalist Arms Longarms sells and repairs
Missouri Boot & Shoe Company Supplier of historically acurate footware.
Panther Primitives Manufacturer of tents and dealer in a full range of camp supplies.
Peak62 Enamelware and modern camping gear
Scott's Gunsmithing and Sales dealer for Traditions Firearms, 4201 S. Hwy 441 Lake City, Florida 32025 Ph: 386-752-9898, open Monday-Saturday
Tophat's Sutlery Civil War and Pioneer items
Track of the Wolf Muzzle Loading & Black Powder Breech Loading Guns
Veterans Arms Black Powder Muskets and Pistols. PO Box 458 / 1663 Broad St. Lumpkin GA 31815
Will N. Kent Trading Company in Folkston, GA Supplies for Reenactments and Rendezvous
History Resources and Digital Libraries
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
19th Century Seminole Clothing for Men: published online by Rick Obermeyer
Tour of the Florida Territory during the Florida Seminole Wars, 1792-1859. An excellent web site maintained by Chris Kimball
A Guide for Civil War Re-enactors at 2nd Seminole War Reenactments, 1835-1842
Kappler's Indian Affairs: Laws and Treaties
The Smoke and Fire Newspaper Listing battle re-enactments, historic festivals, rendezvous, and many other living history events from all over the United States and Canada.
European Travelers in the US 1830-1840
Making of America - Cornell University A variety of newspapers and Monthly Magazines from the 19th Century
Making of America - University of Michigan a digital library of primary sources in American social history from the antebellum period through reconstruction
American Military Strategy in the Second Seminole War A thesis by John C. White Jr., Major, USMC
George Washington O'Rear and the Seminole Indian War Memoir written around 1900 by the daughter of a man who fought in the Second Seminole War; 1836-1837 with the Tennessee Volunteers
The Army of the United States Historical Sketches of Staff and Line with Portraits of Generals-in-Chief This work contains information on Army Branches of service, its regiments, and its commanders, through the 1880's.
US Army Center of Military History Lots of resources relating to the US Army's history.
Tune Book Live a database of tunes (sheet music). Its main interest is with various traditional forms of northern and western European music, and their north American relatives - the jigs and reels, polka, polska, schottische, bourrée, etc.
The Lester S. Levy Sheet Music Collection Sheet music spanning from 1780-1960
Books
John and Mary Lou Missall Authors/Seminole Wars Historians
Acanthus Books features cookbook and food history titles from antiquity to the early 20th century
Streaming Video
The Unconquered Seminoles An episode of the WGCU Untold Stories series.
YouTube video of the 2011 Alligator Warrior Festival.
Courtesy of LakeCityJournal.com
YouTube video of the 2010 Alligator Warrior Festival.
Courtesy of LakeCityJournal.com
Alligator Warrior Festival Facebook Group
Southeastern Native Reenacting
Local Resources
