Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olustee Battlefield |
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| Location | Baker County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Olustee, Florida |
| Established | 12 August 1970 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
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Olustee Battlefield
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Olustee Battlefield monument
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Baker County, Florida |
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| NRHP reference No. | 70000177 |
| Added to NRHP | August 12, 1970 |
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park is a special park in Florida. It's located inside the Osceola National Forest, near the town of Olustee. This park is famous because it was the site of Florida's biggest Civil War battle.
The park is about 50 miles (80 km) west of Jacksonville and 15 miles (24 km) east of Lake City. You can find it right on U.S. 90. It was one of the very first parks in Florida's state park system.
Most of the battlefield is managed by the park under a special agreement. The U.S. National Register of Historic Places added Olustee Battlefield to its list on August 12, 1970.
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Discovering Olustee's Past
The Battle of Olustee took place on February 20, 1864. This important battle is remembered every year. People dress up in historical costumes to reenact the event.
In 1897, a group called the Florida Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy started collecting money. They wanted to build a monument at the battle site. Two years later, the Florida government helped out. They provided money and set up a group to make sure the monument was built.
The monument was finished in 1912. It was officially dedicated on October 23, 1912. The United Daughters of the Confederacy managed the memorial until 1949. After that, the Florida Board of Parks took over. Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection manages the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park.
Fun Things to Do at Olustee
There are many activities you can enjoy at the park all year long. You can go hiking, have a picnic, and learn about the battle. The park has special displays that explain the history.
There's a one-mile (1.6 km) hiking trail with signs that tell the story of the battle. You'll also find picnic tables and a small center to learn more. The Florida Trail also runs through this historic site. The Olustee Trailhead is near the main entrance on U.S. 90.
Experience a Civil War Reenactment
A group of volunteers helps put on a big annual reenactment. This exciting event happens every February during Presidents' Day weekend. Thousands of reenactors come from all over the U.S. and even other countries. They come to act out the Battle of Olustee.
Reenactors start arriving on Thursday to set up their camps. Friday is a special "School Day." Thousands of students visit to watch demonstrations. They also listen to historians talk about the war and life in the 1860s. The public can visit on Friday (no battle reenactment), Saturday, and Sunday.
On all three days, visitors can explore the camps. You can watch demonstrations and talk to people dressed in historical clothing. There are also many tents where you can buy Civil War-era items. The main battles are reenacted on Saturday and Sunday. You can also find a large selection of modern food available from Friday through Sunday.
When Can You Visit?
The park is open every day. You can visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
