Living History Reenactors of the United States Navy and Marine Corps portraying sailors and marines as an infantry expeditionary force during the Civil War.
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Recent Photos
     Most of the photos you find on our site were not posed, so they correctly show exactly what we look like and what we do.  Some of the photos were sent to us from spectators and some were taken by unit members or their family.  A few were taken by media and professionals, so before you copy photos, please check our copyright policy.
     As of May 26, 2008, Lesters Studios will supply us with photos.  (Their photographs are identified.)  Please visit their site to view these and more excellent photographs.


Port Columbus (Ga.) - March 11-13, 2011
     This was the tent anniversary of the Civil War Sailors Museum at Port Columbus.  It was also "River Blast" weekend.  Four of us from the USS Fort Henry participated at the event.
Standing read to fire the 7.4" Brooke RifleOur men at the eventCheief sings a sea shantyChief's demonstrations


Fort De Soto - February 25-27, 2011

     The Battle of Ballast Point was again recreated for the public to see.  The original battle was the largest one on Florida's west-central coast.  We were assigned to be the color company and "Trooped the Colors" in front of the combined forces each day.
Fort De Soto Color Company


Brooksville Raid - January 14-16, 2011

     The Brooksville Raid is the largest event we participate in.  The large photo below shows the new location of our "Naval Compound," a completely separated area from the army units.  This year (on Saturday) we joined forces with the Marine Guard of the U.S.S. Pawnee (bottom photos.).  On Sunday, we were assigned to be the color company and the battle plan was to replicate the First Battle of Bull Run.





The Hillsborough River Raid and the Battle of Ballast Point - October 2-3, 2010

     The Battle of Ballast Point is held at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Tampa.  It  is hosted by the U.S.S. Fort Henry.  This year we added space to the small field which was used for the force to withdraw after "burning the two blockade runners."  The site allows the spectators a close in view of the men in action as well as the amphibious landing.   Also new this year was we allowed spectators to come close to view the marines and sailors landing before the battle.  After the landing, the spectators were moved back to the crowd line.

  CS home guard at liesure CS home guard pickets USS Fort Henry Part of the CS camp US artillery Pilot dory and the main launch Part of the US camp Embarking


Port Columbus (National Civil War Sailors Museum) - April  17-18, 2010

     This was the U.S.S. Fort Henry's first unit out-of-state event.  We travelled to Columbus, GA, to participate in the 2010 edition of "River Blast."  (Second photo - courtesy of Port Columbus.)
     For a video of the loading and firing of the 7-inch Brooke Rifle, click here.
Chief piping aboard the USS Water WitchAboard the U.S.S. Water WitchPipe and drum on deckSailors quartersCaptain's cabinU.S.S. MonitorCSS Water Witch comissioiningMarines on the Water Witch7-inch Brook Rifle (5 pounds of gun powder)"Bring the ship to life"


Brooksville Raid - January 15-17, 2010
     This year we had two guns on the field as well as infantry.  The weather held during the day, but the heavy rain came in as dark approached.  By morning, the rain had ceased.  Both days had a very mild temperature of about 70°.
Navy camp open to guests"Chief" demonstrating nautical items to scouts
Signalman RobEugene and Adam chopping firewood
In the woods waiting on the enemyWe were guns number 11 & 12 on the Federal line
"Chief and Kevin observing the actionFamilies portraying the "Unionists" under naval protection
As dark approaches, time to take mess


The Hillsborough River Raid and the Battle of Ballast Point - October 2009

     The Battle of Ballast Point is held at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Tampa.  It  is hosted by the U.S.S. Fort Henry.  The small field limits the scope of the battle but also allows the spectators a close in view of the men in action as well as an amphibious landing.   The sight of the men landing and embarking in a large launch is a rare event in Civil War reenactments.  This year was especially important for the reenactors as  the two Confederate blockade runners Scottish Chief and the Kate Dale have been officially located on the Hillsborough River.  (Both were sunk by the navy on the original raid.

Sailor and Marines ready for boardingBorading
Getting underwayNavy Camp
Skirmishing with the enemy


Heritage Village Skirmish - May 2009

     The Heritage Village event "Civil War Days is co-hosted by the U.S.S. Fort Henry.  We write new skirmish scenarios each year.  The small field limits the scope of the battle but also allows the spectators a close in view of the men in action.  This year, the skirmish started with Union men foraging through the vegetable garden at the south end of the field.  They were surrounded by Rebels, but they were quickly pushed back into the woods but the Berdan Sharpshooters.  More troops and artillery on each side gradually entered the field building on the conclusion.  (Photos are in sequence.)
Rebels trap the Union foragersBerdan sharpshooters free the foragers
Rebel force comes on the field97th PA faces the Rebels
The Rebel lineTwo of the three artilerry pieces on the Union's right flank97th PA heads toward the Rebel infantry
The Marines head for the Rebel artillery piece


Fort De Soto - February 19-21, 2009

      The Hillsborough River Raid reenactment is held at Fort De Soto (Mullet Key).  The original site is completely built to the waters edge, and Fort De Soto provides an excellent replacement spot.  Photos below are of the trial and battle.
TrialBattle


Brooksville Raid - January 16-19, 2009
      The Brooksville Raid reenactment is nothing like the original raid.  However, it does portray a much larger raid with about a 1,000 infantrymen, two dozen canons, and cavalry on the field.  School day (Friday) had over a 1,000 students at the 2,000 acre Boy Scout camp, and men from the U.S.S. Fort Henry did their part in educating the students on the role of the navy during the Civil War.
School Day with Sgt. DaveSome of the ship's menFamily members as "Unionists"



Battle of Ballast Point - October  4 & 5, 2008
      This event war the 145th Anniversary (landing on Oct. 16, 1863 with the battle on the next day) of the original battle between the U.S. Navy and the local Confederate forces.  The U.S.S. Fort Henry portrayed men form the U.S.S. Tahoma.
Sailors and Marines Landing Confederate Defenders
Confederate Defenders "The Crew"


Heritage Village Skirmish - May 17, 2008

(Video of the trial)

Prisoner guard (C) Lesters StudiosPrisoners break (C) Leters Studios
All is quiet in camp Forming up for the parade
On the battlefield Ready for parade


"The Battle of Ballast Point" (held at Fort De Soto Park) 2/23-24, 2008


Guarding prisoners

Brooksville Raid January 19-20, 2008
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Camp begins to take shape the day before.  During the sever storm, the sailor still ate!

Lew waiting for the artillery barrage to cease.
 
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