Park Summary for Print - Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

Confederate Troops awaiting advancement of Union Troops. Commanding Confederate Officers on horseback.

Welcome to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

This park commemorates the site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, which took place February 20, 1864. More than 10,000 cavalry, infantry, and artillery troops fought a five-hour battle in a pine forest near Olustee. Three U.S. Colored Troops took part in the battle, including the now famous 54th Massachusetts. The battle ended with 2,807 casualties and the retreat of Union troops to Jacksonville until the war's end just 14 months later. In 1912, when many living Civil War veterans still attended reunions, the battlefield became the state's first historic site. Olustee Battlefield has a visitor center with historical information and artifacts. A reenactment is held every February and a Civil War Expo takes place in late summer. Scenes for Civil War movies, including the 1989 movie Glory, have been filmed during the reenactments. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the picnic area or take a walk along a mile-long trail that has interpretive signs describing the events of the battle. Located two miles east of Olustee on U.S. 90.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, please call 386-758-0400.

Hours of Operation

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. until dusk. The Interpretive Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All facilities are available free of charge.

Driving Directions

Olustee Battlefield is located on U.S. 90, 15 miles east of Lake City and 50 miles west of Jacksonville. From I10 exit at U.S. 90 west (Milepost Exit 324 - Old Exit 45). The battlefield is located 5.5 miles from the exit. From I-75, exit at U.S. 90 east (Milepost Exit 324 - Old Exit 45) and travel approximately 20 miles to the park.

Park Fees

Please call the Park for information at 386-758-0400.

Activities at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

	Interpretive Programs The interpretive center contains exhibits with artifacts and interpretive panels that tell the story of the campaign that led up to the Battle of Olustee. A short video documentary on the reenactment is included. . The Interpretive Center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee, ADA port-a-lets are available for the viewing public.
	Nature Trails The park has picnic tables for public use and a one-mile trail with interpretive signs that follow the battle lines. A portion of the Florida Scenic Trail travels through the park.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in the Visitor Center.
	Picnicking Picnic tables are located in a shaded grove of tall pine trees, across from the interpretive center. We welcome visitors to visit the Battlefield and have a quiet picnic at the park.
	Visitors Center Come to our Visitor Center for Information

Special Events for Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

CIVIL WAR EXPO
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008. 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Description: CIVIL WAR EXPO
Event features re-enactors portraying life in Florida during the Civil War

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park will host its Civil War Expo on Saturday, September 27. Visitors can share the experience of Civil War Military encampments with re-enactors and learn about the hardships and victories of war during the event. The annual Civil War Expo is a day of authentic military drills, music and storytelling, exhibits, period artisans and the war’s traveling merchants.

The event features re-enactors portraying both military and civilian life during the Civil War. Period musicians will perform music of the 1800’s throughout the day.

Demonstrations of blacksmithing and household tool making are scheduled, along with exhibits of relic collections. Demonstrations of authentic weapons and fighting tactics used in the Civil War will include cavalry and infantry drills.

The Battle of Olustee was fought in February, 1864 when Union troops marched west from Jacksonville seeking to deprive the Confederacy of food and other supplies from Central Florida. The Battle of Olustee resulted in a Confederate victory and the containment of Union troops to the Jacksonville area until the war ended nearly 14 months later.

The Civil War Expo will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. A donation of $5.00 per vehicle is requested. All proceeds benefit the Olustee Battlefield Citizens Support Organization and the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park. The Olustee Civil War Expo is sponsored by the state park’s Citizen Support Organization, the Florida Park Service and the U. S. Forest Service. Please call (386) 397-7005 for more information.

Fees: A donation of $5.00 per vehicle is requested.
Contact: For more information, call (386) 397-7005.
ANNUAL REENACTMENT OF THE BATTLE OF OLUSTEE
Date: February 13, 14 and 15, 2009.
Description: Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee-Florida’s largest Civil War Battle. 145th Anniversary. Authentic camps, artillery, Sutlers, demonstrations and Battle Reenactment.
Fees: To be announced.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.