On Sunday Janine and I visited the Dade Battlefield park. The battle marked the start of the Second Seminole War. The Dade Battle or massacre, was a defeat for the United States Army in 1835. On 28 December 1835 two U.S. Infantry companies numbering 103 men under the command of Major Francis L. Dade were ambushed by approximately 180 Seminole and Black Seminole warriors as they marched from Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay to reinforce Fort King in Ocala. The battle took place in a pine forest and swampy area and was a one-sided Seminole victory. All but three American soldiers were killed at the cost of only six Seminole warriors. The defeat sparked the Second Seminole War which lasted until 1842. The Seminole wars are little known and usually ignored in most history text books. They comprise the longest Indian war in US history.
The park has a number of walking trails, and a nice visitor center. There are markers for the troop locations and a replica of the breast work set up by the soldiers. In the visitor center were excellent displays outline the reasons for the conflict and the course of the war. In addition there are two life size figures in replica uniform and native clothing.
The day we visited the park hosted a historical reenactment of the battle. There were small camps set up and various weapons firing and other demonstrations. It all concluded with a mock battle.
Looks a fantastic place to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun day
DeleteMark, that's amazing! Thanks for sharing. I especially like the fact the reenactment was taking place during your visit. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteEric
Made for a fun day.
DeleteSuper post Mark, very interesting, very nice that the reenactment was taking place a real bonus. Not a conflict I know very much about so I will have to remedy that as it looks very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe three Seminole wars are fascinating but nobody knows much about them.
DeleteA great place to visit Mark...I know next to nothing about the Seminole War...was Mad Anthony Wayne involved? I think i got that from the Old Glory catalogue....!
ReplyDeleteNobody knows much about the three different Seminole wars!! If it were not for my friend Dave and his amazing collection of figures for this I would not have been aware if it. He got me reading and it is most interesting.
Delete"Mad Anthony" Wayne was in the 1790's in yet another of the endless and forgotten Indian wars. His organization of the US Army into a Legion if fascinating and I think years ahead of its time. Sort of a combined arms.
Naturally it was disbanded at the end of war !!
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DeleteWell perfect timing to visit this battlefield Mark:)! As with others, not a War or series of Wars I've heard about. I was rather shocked by the disparity in casualties, assuming that the US troops were simply not used to fighting in this sort of terrain?
ReplyDeleteA well executed ambush was responsible. The first volley took out the commander and nearly half the command!
DeleteA well executed ambush was responsible. The first volley took out the commander and nearly half the command!
Delete