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

This week we begin a recurring special feature, on state and federal parks with ties to the Seminole Wars.

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.  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dade-battlefield-historic-state-park

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. https://www.dailycommercial.com/news/20181228/dade-battlefield-pays-tribute-to-slain-soldiers

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 include World War II Commemoration Weekend every March, with a nighttime "World War 2 USO-style" entertainment; an historic-era interpretation with period-attired living historians for visiting groups, such as National Guard members, US and Foreign Militaries, ROTC cadets, and students in schools of all grade levels.  The Society increases public awareness of Dade Battlefield and enhances youth education and citizenship through field trips, quality outreach programs, sponsoring of scholarships, and creation of the Dade Pioneers for school-age children and Dade's Youth for teens interested in earning volunteer hours, while allowing them to become Dade Battlefield Society members. 

 
https://www.dadebattlefield.com/society.html

 

Tampa Times July 7, 1921 Dade Park Dedication

Host Patrick Swan is a board member with the Seminole Wars Foundation. He is a combat veteran and of the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Kosovo, and at the Pentagon after 9/11. A military historian, he holds masters degrees in Public History, Communication, and Homeland Security, and is a graduate of the US Army War College with an advanced degree in strategic studies. This podcast is recorded at the homestead of the Seminole Wars Foundation in Bushnell, Florida. 

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