The Road to Olustee
January 29, 30 & 31, 2010

Camp Milton Historic Preserve
1175 Halsema Road N
Jacksonville , Florida 32221

Welcome to the Road to Olustee Living History Weekend!

February 1864. Union forces depart occupied Jacksonville, heading toward the Suwannee River to destroy the railroad bridge there. En route, they met up with Confederate forces encamped at what is now known as Camp Milton Historic Preserve. After a small skirmish, Union Brigadier General Truman Seymour advanced his troops to the west, where, on February 20, they encountered a much larger Confederate army and were soundly defeated at the Battle of Olustee. After the Union troops retreated to Jacksonville , the Confederates returned to and fortified Camp Milton , which became the largest encampment of Confederate forces in Florida with over 8,000 troops. The site of several more encounters between Confederate and Union armies, the site finally fell to occupation by the Union army in the summer of 1864. It is named after Florida 's Governor during the Civil War, John Milton.

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. Civilians will portray the town of Jacksonville going about daily life as they would have in February 1864. Household duties, shopping for essentials, sewing, spinning, 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 interpretation for reenactors and visitors alike. Skirmish and raids on Saturday, and battle on Sunday. Full Civilian town scenario with period sutlers integrated into the town. School day Friday, Barbeque for dressed participants on Friday evening. Skirmishes, raids and battle on Saturday, full battle on Sunday. Cavalry and artillery by invitation. Firewood, hay provided. Pre-registration encouraged, participation will be limited to the first 100 Confederate soldiers, all others will be required to participate as Union or Civilian. Total participation limited so pre-register early! Strict interpretive guidelines for all participants, please read regulations for further details . No reenactor fee, no spectator fee, donations accepted. All proceeds benefit historic preservation at Camp Milton.

Print the registration form and mail to:

Road To Olustee
Attn: Shorty Robbins/JaxParks
851 N Market Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202

For more information contact:
Shorty Robbins: shortyr@coj.net
Diane Gleason: bzquiltn@aol.com
Mike Meek: rolfvonsmirker@comcast.net

Participant Handout

Registration Form

Register Online

Click Here To See Pictures From The Past Event