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November 18, 2009

'The Raid on the Suwannee'

Staff The Suwannee Democrat Wed Nov 18, 2009, 03:50 PM EST

During the Civil War years of the 1860s, Florida was a major participant in many ways. Not only did the state field troops for almost every major conflict of the war, but was also the most productive part of the South in the closing years of the war.

Floridians produced farm goods, cattle and more. The Union fully recognized this, leading to a series of skirmishes all over Florida. One of the goals was to control shipping, and more importantly, rail lines. This lead to the famous Battle of Olustee. Less well known were the numerous "probes" all along the coastal accessible area of the state.

There are earthworks reminding us of the encampments and hastily erected fortification at the nearby Suwannee River State Park. A "spur line" that served a river landing with mule drawn cargo cars still borders the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, with roots into the 19th century.

Expect to see authentic 1860s encampments, period goods and wares from the sutlers, hundreds of soldiers and officers anxious to share their history, and 19th century food -- as well as the comforts and facilities offered by the Spirit itself.

This year's events will feature full battles afternoons on both Saturday and Sunday. Prior to that the event will start at 9 a.m. each day and include a Ladies Tea, Grand Ball and authentic church service Sunday morning.

The weekend's events are being staged by Hardee's Corps, a non-profit organization that accurately portrays the events of this time, in what it describes as an atmosphere of "folks and family." The group has coordinated events all over the Southeast for decades, including events in the Brooksville and Crystal River.

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