Florida, Baker County, Olustee
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(Right Panel)
Welcome to the Olustee Battlefield
Battlefield Map included with Park rules and regulations
(Center Panel)
How Many Would Die ?
The morning of February 20, 1864, dawned clear and cool. The Union army, commanded by Brigadier General Truman Seymour, set his force into motion at6:00 a.m. He and his command of 5,500 men and 16 cannons left Barber's Plantation (near present-day Macclenny) and crossed the St. Mary's River heading west. Confederate commander, Brigadier General Joseph Finegan and his force of 12 cannons and about 5,000 men were entrenched at Olustee, awaiting the Union arrival.
After learning of the Union advance from Barber's Plantation, Finegan ordered cavalry and infantry to advance and skirmish with the Union forces in hopes of drawing them to the Confederate earthworks. As the skirmishing intensified, Finegan ordered General Colquitt forward to feel out the enemy strength. Colquitt took immediate command at the scene and drew additional regiments from their earthworks at Olustee Station to form a battle line several miles ahead.
Here the battle began - a stubborn fight at short range in an open pine barren.
(Map and Chain of Command Picture included)
(Right Panel)
The Battle
February 20, 1864, started like any other day, but it would become the day of the largest battle fought on Florida soil.
Olustee was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
(Drawing included with battlefield component explanation)
(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 15 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
(Right Panel)Welcome to the Olustee Battlefield
Battlefield Map included with Park rules and regulations
(Center Panel)
How Many Would Die ?
The morning of February 20, 1864, dawned clear and cool. The Union army, commanded by Brigadier General Truman Seymour, set his force into motion at6:00 a.m. He and his command of 5,500 men and 16 cannons left Barber's Plantation (near present-day Macclenny) and crossed the St. Mary's River heading west. Confederate commander, Brigadier General Joseph Finegan and his force of 12 cannons and about 5,000 men were entrenched at Olustee, awaiting the Union arrival.
After learning of the Union advance from Barber's Plantation, Finegan ordered cavalry and infantry to advance and skirmish with the Union forces in hopes of drawing them to the Confederate earthworks. As the skirmishing intensified, Finegan ordered General Colquitt forward to feel out the enemy strength. Colquitt took immediate command at the scene and drew additional regiments from their earthworks at Olustee Station to form a battle line several miles ahead.
Here the battle began - a stubborn fight at short range in an open pine barren.
(Map and Chain of Command Picture included)
(Right Panel)
The Battle
February 20, 1864, started like any other day, but it would become the day of the largest battle fought on Florida soil.
Olustee was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
(Drawing included with battlefield component explanation)
(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 15 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
