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.
Suwannee Democrat
History comes to life
'The Raid on the Suwannee'
- Suwannee Democrat
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5th grader belts a rendition of "I Will Always Love You"
A Suwannee County fifth grader mesmerized students, parents and faculty during the Suwannee Intermediate School Spring Talent Show Thursday evening.
Brittanie Powell performed “I Will Always Love You” which was immortalized by the late Whitney Houston. It was Brittanie’s first performance and she selected the song a few weeks ago after watching a contestant perform it on American Idol. -
Pournelle receives valedictorian title
The only SHS senior with a 4.0 GPA was left out previously due to district policy
- Jeep driver receives serious injuries following collision with semi trailer
- Mayo woman loses unborn child in car crash
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Suwannee Democrat obituaries - May 25, 2012
Agnes Barr Taylor
Bobby Roberts
Clifton E. Riley Sr.
- SHS spring game tonight
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Suwannee County's vals and sals
Editor's note: In today's paper (May 25) salutatorian is above Mara Lance's photo. Lance is a Suwannee High School valedictorian.
SHS
Valedictorians
Laura-Kaitlyn Boatright
Mara Magee Lance
Salutatorian
Christopher Cole ThomasBHS
Valedictorian
Robert Hansen
GPA - 3.83
Salutatorian
D’Vonte Cherry
GPA - 3.76
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Democrat Morning Update for Friday, May 25
Good morning. This is what's happening in your county today.
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FCAT 2.0 math and reading results
Suwannee falls right in line with state averages
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Pest infestation spreads
Outbreak now affects more than 6,000 acres in O’Brien
“The infestation is growing at a pretty fast rate and in this case, it’s killing a lot of the laurel oak trees in the O’Brien area or seriously infesting them.” - Suwannee County Forester Brian Cobble on the horned oak gall wasp outbreak
- More Suwannee Democrat Headlines
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