| Living History Reenactors of the United States Navy and Marine Corps portraying sailors and marines as an infantry expeditionary force during the Civil War. | |
| U.S.S. Fort Henry |
 
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The Hillsborough River Raid
148th Anniversary
Veteran's Memorial Park, Tampa, Florida
A
reenactment of the only Civil War battle between the Union and
Confederates
in the Tampa Bay area resulting in wounds, fatalities, and
prisoners. being taken.
Hosted by the U.S.S. Fort Henry
Date:
October 1 & 2, 2011 (Saturday, Sunday) - open to the public
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Description:
Titled "Hillsborough River Raid" - this is an American Civil War
(1861-65) living history event. Focusing on the
military, we have the Union and Confederate troops, where the
spectator cant talk with these "living historians."
Featured are uniforms, arms of the era, military music, infantry and
artillery drills, and a skirmish at
2:30PM between the Blue and the Gray, complete with cannon,
rifle, and pistol fire.
The original raid started on the evening of October 16,
1863. Over 100 men from the gunboats USS Tahoma
and the USS Adela landed on the southern tip of current
day Mac Dill AFB. The marched at night up to the
Hillsborough River and found the two Confederate blockade
runners, Scottish Chief, and Kate Dale moored
on the east side of the river. The US force set the ships
on fire and quickly returned to the rendezvous area at Ballast
Point (near current day Gandy and Bayshore Blvds.). Both
sides battled, each suffering wounded, killed, and captured,
before the USS Adela came to the rescue providing fire from her
big guns as the sailors were ferried back to the gunboat.
This subsequent battle became known as the "Battle of
Ballast Point." Although with a little less soldiers were
involved than the famous Brooksville Raid, the number of shots
fired and the number of killed, wounded, and captured, makes
this the largest Civil War battle in the Tampa Bay area.
Because of time, area, and logistics, the reenactment
condenses the major phases of the the raid and battle into a
spectator friendly view of the original event. The Union
force will land in a period style boat, march inland along the
canal, engage the Confederate Home Guard, and return to the
rendezvous point for the "Battle of Ballast Point." All of
this will be in clear view of the spectators as they watch the
men in period clothing with working replica weapons, using
authentic battle strategies and commands. Artillery ashore
will simulate the gunboats firing.
Bring your camera and be sure to talk to the men about
their equipment. Visit the camps to see the gear the men
had. Ask questions. Some will be available to talk
about the original raid. While there, don't forget to go
through the museum on site. Special displays will be there
this weekend only.
To see the video of the 2007 event, go to: http://video.google.com/
 Pictured
at the right are just a few of the reenactors you
will see at "The Hillsborough River Raid." We
replicate the original October 1863 battle by
landing naval troops and battle with the
Confederates, then withdraw via the long boat.You can visit the troops at rest in camp, perhaps hear some period music (lower left), or drilling with period type weapons. At about 2:30 PM, the troops will line up and prepare for a small battle (lower right). See, hear, and smell the battle as smoke from the muskets and artillery fill the air. |
Reenactors:
Please arrive early, before the park opens to the public (9:00
AM). Be sure to register with the hosting unit in order to
participate. All weapons (including pistols) are to be
brought to the event unloaded. All pistols will be
inspected unloaded. All weapons and uniforms
are to be Civil War period, standard military issue (no hunting rifles,
shotguns, etc.).
IMPORTANT: See the event layout information (below) for camp locations. This is a new layout this year.
Artillery:
One full sized gun per side. Mortars can be used in
addition to regular artillery.
Sutlers:
Sutlers must pre-register by contacting the Veteran's Memorial
Park. Follow the event layout
(see below) for sutler locations. This is
a new layout this year.
Event layout:
All participants are to park on the grass on the opposite side of the road. Paved parking spaces are for spectators only.
The park is being modified. See Dave or Chief (both of the USS Fort Henry) for information on camping sites and sutler locations.
Battle theme:
The original Hillsborough River Raid took place in
October, 1863. After destroying two blockade runners, the US Navy
expeditionary force withdrew to Ballast Point to rendevezou with
the ships. The Confederate Home Guard and General Bragg's
"Cowboy Cavalry" skirmished with each other at Ballast Point.
This battle will be recreated (to a smaller extent because of
the size of the area used) at the Veteran's Park, giving the
spectators a sight and sounds of a Civil War skirmish between
the "Yanks" and the "Rebs." A Family activity -
bring your camera!
Food & Drink:
Vendors must pre-register by contacting the Veteran's Memorial
Park.
Location:
The event takes place at Veteran's Memorial Park, a Hillsborough
County Park. Admission is free. There are clean rest
rooms, and a modern air conditioned museum with exhibits
honoring American Veterans.
Hosting Unit - USS Fort Henry - Contact Information:
Dave
or Ross
(Type email address from above in your email application.)
