The 32nd Annual Battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond will be reenacted Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the Olustee Battlefield State Historic Site within the Osceola National Forest. Please be sure to share the following information with each member of your unit attending the Olustee Battle Reenactment.
As of 2001, NO PETS such as cats and dogs are allowed at Olustee Battlefield Historic Site during the Olustee Battle Reenactment from Wednesday through Sunday.
Sponsoring Organizations:
Military Commanders: Tom Jessee will be the Confederate Commanding General and James Permane will be the Union Commanding General for the 32nd Annual Reenactment. They will share responsibilities as the overall commander.
Location: The battlefield is located just 15 miles east of Lake City, Florida, and 50 miles west of Jacksonville, Florida on U.S. Highway 90, just off Interstate 10.
Battle Reenactments: A battle reenactment will be fought on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., and the Battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond reenactment will be fought on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Participants: We expect at least 1700 combatants, and hope to have at least 12 C.S. and 16 U.S. full scale artillery pieces . We are also anticipating in excess of 50 mounted troops, 2 wagons, and over 70 ground and aerial charges.
Sutlers: A large number of sutlers is expected once more. Fifty-five sutler spaces are available. Most of the well-known and authentic sutlers will be present.
Weather: The weather should be predictably Florida-like with the days in the 60s and 70s and evenings in the 40s to 50s. Cold snaps, with days and nights in the 20s to 30s, are not unheard of. Rain is always a threat. Greatcoats, ponchos, and gum blankets may all prove to be useful.
Horses: All horses, whether cavalry, infantry or artillery, must be inspected at the Cavalry Camp and have current Coggins verified. Any horse not inspected will not be allowed in the battle. All horses and riders must comply with Cavalry Regulations. All persons with horses must check in at the Cavalry Camp.
Parking: Because of our continued space limitations, we need to limit vehicles. Please encourage your unit members to come in as few vehicles as possible and help us discourage large RVs. Please, only one car per family.
Arrival Time: Troops may begin arriving on Thursday, February 14th, and may stay through Monday, February 18th.
ENTRANCE/DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS: Entrance passes (obtained at Registration) are required to enter back gates. Please drive slowly and carefully.
Thursday, February 14 Enter and exit front gate only. (Back gate will be locked) Friday,
February 15Enter front gate - Exit back gate. (Note: Front gate will be closed between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the safety of our school groups. You may register at the back gate leading into modern camping and at the Union Camp back gate during this period only.) Saturday, February 16 Enter and exit back gate only. (Vehicles are not permitted in period camps after 8 a.m. No vehicles in Sutlers Row.) Sunday, February 17 Enter and exit back gate only until 5 p.m. (Vehicles are not permitted in period camps 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. No vehicles in Sutlers Row.) After 5 p.m. all gates are clear for entrance and exit if pedestrian traffic is clear.
REGISTRATION: Registration will begin on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. No arrivals will be admitted prior to Thursday at 8 a.m. All reenactors must be registered before going to any of the camps to set up, including Modem Camping. Arrivals after 7:00 A.M. on Saturday must park outside main gate and walk in to register. You may then drive to proper camping areas by using the rear entrances. You will not be admitted through camp entrances without proper passes. Registration is required to be covered by worker's compensation insurance. The Registration Schedule is as follows:
Thursday, February 14 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Friday, February 15 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Registration Card: A registration card will be issued for each participant and will be required to participate in events. Cards must be presented at time of weapons inspections Saturday and Sunday and must be carried at all times.
Minor's Medical Authorization: For your convenience, an emergency medical authorization form for minors is provided here or with the registration packet mailed to units. We ask that you: 1) file a notarized copy of the form with the registar; and 2) that you or your designee, the minor, and the minor's parent or guardian carry copies of the form during your stay at the Olustee Battlefield.
Modern Camping: The 10th Georgia Infantry has kindly agreed to handle modern camping again this year. Each modern camper will be assigned a numbered lot. All modern campers must camp in designated camping areas. Quiet Time is from 12:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. each day. No generators may be operated during this designated quiet time.
Camp Provost: Remember that the public will be visiting authentic camps on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please post appropriate provost.
Black Powder: No black powder may be sold on site, per the Federal Explosive Law (Public Law 91-452) & Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations Part 55, Commerce in Explosives, Subpart D-Licenses and Permits. BRING ALL THE BLACK POWDER THAT YOU WILL NEED (about 100 rounds/man). You must observe the maximum loads for small arms and artillery.
School Groups: We are requesting that all units and associated civilians take part in the living history demonstrations on Friday, February 15th, for school groups beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Unit Specific Regulations: Unit specific regulations have been developed for all Cavalry Units (this includes all mounted troops) and Medical Units. If these regulations apply to you and you did not receive them, please contact the Florida Park Service tool free at (877) 635-3655, or view them via the links above.
Going Home After The Battle: Following Sunday's battle, Reenactors will not be allowed to leave the event through the front gate until 5:00 p.m. Please respect the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike by being patient until the gate opens. You are welcome to exit by the rear gates before 5 p.m. on Sunday
Regulations: Rules and Regulations for the reenactment have been updated. Please assure each participant from your unit is aware of the rules and regulations. Great emphasis should be placed upon the following:
We thank you for your time and attention. Look over this information and feel free to contact the registrar if you have further questions or problems.
Olustee Battlefield Citizen Support Organization
P.O. Box 382
Glen St Mary, FL 32040
Olustee Reenactment Menu
Battle of Olustee Home Page
http://battleofolustee.org/
