Viva Florida 500: Dade's Battle Reenactment Returns to Bushnell in January

Dade's Battle Reenactment

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Photo by: Florida State Parks

History fans will be headed to Sumter County as Dade's Battle Reenactment returns to Bushnell on Jan. 5 and 6. If you've never witnessed this event, here's the scoop. The event marks the Second Seminole War battle, where Seminole Indians fought U.S. soldiers under the command of Maj. Francis L. Dade on Dec. 28, 1835. During the battle, Indian warriors ambushed the 108 soldiers at the site, leaving only three survivors.

Each year, on a weekend as close to the original date as possible (excluding holiday weekends), the Dade Battlefield Society stages a reenactment, which includes period soldiers and camps, arts and crafts demonstrations and cannon firings. This year, the "battle" starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5.

The reenactment takes place at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park (7200 County Road 603 in Bushnell), a Florida State Park and U.S. National Historic Landmark. Beyond the reenactment, visitors can enjoy hiking trails through flat woods full of wildlife at the 80-acre park. Playgrounds and picnic areas are also available. 

Parking is $2 with admission $5 (free to those 5 and younger.) Get more info at the park's official website  or call (352) 793-4781.

The park hosts a slew of nature-oriented events every weekend, including night hikes, bird walks and more. Visit their events page for the latest news. 

The event is also part of Visit Florida's Viva 500 commemoration, honoring the anniversary of Ponce de Leon's landing in Florida. Find more events around Florida at Florida Travel + Life's new events calendar.

Tags: Bushnell | Florida History | Sumter County | Viva Florida 500