Every year, thousands of spectators watch as Civil War reenactors bring back to life the battle of Brooksville. This year, the 145th anniversary of the actual Federal raid on the town of Brooksville, Florida will be re-enacted for the 28th time!

1 - 2 - 3 - Fire!

Infantry and Cavalry marching in
The Brooksville Raid is well known as the biggest and best Civil War reenactment in Florida. In 2008, nearly 4000 reenactors and their families particiated in the events that take place over two days. They brought with them 24 canons and participants included 61 cavalrymen.

Battle Field filled with canon smoke
There will be displays of authentic gear, clothing, camp living arrangements, demonstrations, and more. Special events include Ladies' Tea, 1860's Baseball Game, Blue and Gray Ball on Saturday at 8:00 PM, and of course the Grand Review and the Brooksville Raid Battle. Unlike the real event long time ago, the reenactment has a different outcome every year depending on the skill and condition of the troops making the event new and interesting year after year. Who will win this year's battle?
When: January 17-18th, gates open at 9:00 AM
Where: Sand Hill Scout Reservation, US 50
This is an event for the whole family. Bring your own chairs or rent one. Food concessions available.


Brooksville Raid Frontlines
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
That's kind of funny. I don't think of Florida when I think of the Civil War. Being surrounded by the history up here in Maryland you practically can't avoid it. Even the land my house sits on in Poolesville was briefly a Civil War encampment. We used to have to chase relic hunters complete with metal detectors out of the backyard.
During the Civil War Union military leaders realized that the shallow fords of the Potomac River posed a threat to the capital city. At certain times of the year the Potomac River is shallow enough to cross and thus thousands of troops were moved to both Darnestown and Poolesville. The Corps of Observation was established just outside of Poolesville and soldiers were stationed near the river to watch for Confederate incursions into Maryland. During the winter of 1861-1862 it is estimated that 20,000 Union troops were stationed in or around the town. There were no battles fought in Poolesville; however, the infamous Battle of Ball's Bluff was fought nearby on October 21, 1861. Hundreds of Union soldiers who were stationed in Poolesville were killed in this battle that was badly managed by inexperienced Union generals.[citation needed]
There were several Confederate raids into the town during the war and the Confederate Army invaded Maryland by crossing the Potomac near Poolesville in both 1862 and 1864. The old Poolesville Methodist Church cemetery contains the remains of approximately twenty soldiers who either were killed in action at Bulls Bluff or who died of illness while in camp.
Great post Silvia!
Rob and Jeannie, thank you for the additional information.
Florida was affected by the Civil War in many other ways, for example, men who did not become soldiers were often drafted to drive cattle for the Army. There are still many artifact surfacing everywhere from the that era.
woo hoo. Glad I clicked on your blog. I love stuff like this.
Hi Shirley, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing. Good history lesson here. Kelly
Wow, I wish I can attend this event. Sounds very interesting to me. I will mark it in my calendar and try to make it next year.