SW028 Park Spotlight: Dade Battlefield State Park Commemorates Historic Military Event, Hosts Engaging Year-Round Events, Programs

<p> </p> <p>This week we begin a recurring special feature, on state and federal parks with ties to the Seminole Wars.</p> <p>Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, acquired by the State of Florida in 1921 (see full newspaper clipping below), is the second oldest site in the state. It serves as a memorial to the brave men, both soldiers and Seminoles, whose 1835 battle marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War, the longest armed conflict in the first 195 years of American history. Visitors can inspect the recreated breastworks where the last of Dade's men desperately fought off their Seminole attackers, and then stroll down the eerily quiet original trail where commemorative markers note the precise spots where some of the officers fell in the battle.  <a href='https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dade-battlefield-historic-state-park'>https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dade-battlefield-historic-state-park</a></p> <p> Ross Lamoreaux portrays an 1835 US Army sergeant as he speaks at the annual wreath-laying ceremony to memorialize the lives lost at the now-Dade Battlefield State Park, in Bushnell, Fla. He stands outside the perimeter to a recreated breastwork of the type the last remaining soldiers used desperately for cover as they fought to stave off the final Seminole attack on Dec. 28, 1835. Courtesy Photo by Linda Charlton, Leesburg Daily Commercial. <a href='https://www.dailycommercial.com/news/20181228/dade-battlefield-pays-tribute-to-slain-soldiers'>https://www.dailycommercial.com/news/20181228/dade-battlefield-pays-tribute-to-slain-soldiers</a></p> <p></p> <p>In this episode, Ross Lamoreaux, Dade Battlefield Society president, Seminole Wars-era soldier-reenactor and living historian, outlines how the Society orchestrates its well-known, authentic annual reenactment of Dade’s Battle each January as well as sponsors living history events, nature programs, social functions, educational and recreational activities, and festivals throughout the year.  Some of these incl