Our Impromptu Stop at Olustee Battlefield
There are two kinds of travelers who stop at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. First, those who see road signs touting points of interest nearby. Second, those who specifically seek out Civil War battlefields.
Which one are you?
I am both! As a devout USA history lover, I happily head off the beaten path to unique spots highlighting past events.
But, having grown up surrounded by Civil War history (Chickamauga and Chattanooga), sites honoring those who fought this nation's greatest battle are of keen interest to me.
What did we find during our stop at Olustee Battlefield? Read on….
Battlefield sketch shows both current trail, monument, and interpretative center along with 1864 troop locations during the battle.
Location:
5815 Battlefield Trail Road
Olustee, FL 32087
Contact:
(386) 758-0400
Hours:
9 AM - 5 PM, Daily
Fees: Free
*Special event fee during reenactment
Website:
Olustee Battlefield
(Florida State Park Site)
Doesn't this trail just beg you to take a walk? It’s the beginning point of the 1-mile loop around the Battlefield.
First, the Battlefield Walking Trail Loop
Our favorite part of the stop was the walking trail. It is a 1-mile loop around the battlefield, partially shaded and totally serene. With it being mid-day and temperatures rising, we opted for the short cut instead of walking the entire loop. Even with a shorter walk, the area is still beautiful and worth the time.
It was a fair, square, stand-up fight in pine woods, just there not very thick, and having little undergrowth, save about an occasional swampy hole." (Quote by Colonel Joseph Hawley)
Click to view larger image
The battlefield has tall pines and palmettos along with a swampy spot toward the center.
Signs along the trail explain the battle’s progression including tactics used.
Quotes taken from soldiers’ journals and letters tell the story of how it felt to be in the battle, something that is hard to imagine when surrounded by tranquility.
One of several signs found along the trail. Each on gives a short description of the battle and happenings at that point.
Monument erected in 1912 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
One of two small monuments honoring the South's officers who directed the troops at Olustee.
Second, Monuments to the Fallen
Behind the Interpretive Center we found a large stone monument flanked by flagpoles.
Two smaller monuments honoring Brigadier General Finegan and General Colquitt are in the same area along with a cannon.
Seeing the monuments and the cannon reminded me of childhood trips to Chickamauga Park.
In 1897, more than three decades after the battle, the United Daughters of the Confederacy began preservation of the site. Land acquired in 1909 included 3-acres for a monument honoring fallen soldiers.
The monument was erected in 1912 and the UDC continued to maintain the historic site. In 1949, Olustee Battlefield became a state park.
Driveway from Highway to the Interpretative Center parking.
Third, the Interpretive Center Displays
We actually started our tour in the Interpretive Center. The Center had a few interesting displays but the best part was the video. It was showing on a small TV in one room, playing on a continuous loop.
Displays included “Florida and the Confederacy,” “Union Activity in Florida,” and what the families were doing on “The Home Front” while men were away. Park map in a trifold brochure is available in the Center. (See a PDF copy HERE.)
The Center needs updated and from the large sign outside, it looks like plans are underway.
Confederate officer's coat displayed along with "minie balls" found on the battlefield.
Confederate States Flag flanked by minie balls lodged in small pieces of a tree.
New Visitor Center planned at some future date (date not given) for the Olustee Battlefield Park.
Why Stop at Olustee Battlefield?
A visit to Olustee is an excellent way to learn about a little-known Civil War battle while reflecting on a place rich with history. FYI, if you really want to get a feel for what happened here, be sure to visit in February when the battle re-enactment takes place.
Also, did you know the Olustee Battlefield is Florida’s first State Park? Yep. It’s part of what they call the “real Florida.”
With the park just a short 5-miles off the interstate, easy in-and-out, plus a lovely setting for a walk, why not stop at the Olustee Battlefield?
Lightly wooded area of the Battlefield.
1 of 3 signs at the trail head
About the Battle of Olustee
Here are a few basic facts. For more information, go to the Battle of Olustee website.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
Did you know they host one of the biggest civil war re-enactments here every year!?
Also, When I was working for Wilderness Graphics we did a bid for updating some of their signage and displays. It looked like a pretty cool place!
I found out about the Re-Enactment during my research. It’s now on our calendar for next year’s travels! They definitely can use some updating in the Interpretative Center.