![]() The Alafia River Rendezvous is an annual event sponsored by the Florida Frontiersmen fraternity. When: January (open to the public on Friday and Saturday) I enjoyed learning how to throw a tomahawk at one of the living history stations during the event. The annual Fort Foster Rendezvous features military demonstrations and a small reenactment that is loosely based on the skirmish and varies from year to year. There were occasional conflicts with neighboring Seminoles at the fort, but only one documented skirmish when the natives attempted to burn the bridge. Today a reproduction of the original 1836 fort has been constructed on site. The original Fort Foster was built during the Second Seminole War as a military resupply depot and defense for the bridge crossing on the Hillsborough River. The Fort Foster State Historic Site is an extension of the adjacent Hillsborough River State Park. The Dade Battlefield also hosts the reenactment of a World War II Allied/Axis skirmish the first full weekend in March. Although the reenactment includes lots of action, men on horseback, bloodcurdling screams and gunfire, this narrated presentation feels more like a play on an outdoor stage. The annual reenactment of the Dade Massacre is hosted on site at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. soldiers survived, and only three Seminole warriors were killed. Army troops led by Major Francis Langhorne Dade on the morning of Dec. government’s effort to move their people to a reservation, 180 Seminole warriors ambushed a column of 110 marching U.S. The Second Seminole War was the setting for the Dade Massacre. ![]() When: First full weekend in January (open to the public Saturday and Sunday) Where: Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell Although these are not battle reenactments, they are the only known Colonial military displays in the state. On weekends, reenactors wearing Colonial Spanish uniforms demonstrate historic weapons, including firing of cannons. Construction began in 1672 while Florida was still part of the Spanish Empire, although later it was controlled variously by Great Britain, the Confederate States, as well as the United States. Augustine is the oldest stone (coquina) and mortar fort in the United States. ![]() The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Colonial weapons demonstrations are on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at scheduled times throughout the day. When: Open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check websites for more details, including entry fees. There are scores of living history events and historical war reenactments taking place across the state of Florida year round, but the following eight rank among my favorites. ![]() They are the result of intensive research by professional historians and amateur history buffs who not only want to experience how life was lived in these periods, but also hope to share publicly the things they have learned. My first impression was that the rendezvous was a mere excuse for adults to play “Dress-Up” and “Cowboys & Indians.” I would eventually learn, though, that living history events and historical war reenactments are far more than childhood games. The event was mutually beneficial, but wearing period clothing was a non-negotiable requirement. The store provided a much-needed service for event participants and also served as a fundraiser for a charitable cause. My first experience as a living history reenactor was as a volunteer. Back in the 1990s, the church I attended operated the general store for the Alafia River Rendezvous.
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