The site is beautiful. There is plenty of shade.
EVENT THEME
The year is 1837. Tensions are high as war has broken out between the citizens of the Florida Territory,
the Administration of President Andrew Jackson in Washington, and the Seminole Nation. St. Augustine, is the gateway to Florida.
It is filled with citizens, speculators, soldiers and allied creeks. Fort Marion is currently garrisoned by US troops. The
city militia is gathering for its monthly drill. There is an air of uncertainty. War has erupted in December of 1835.
Florida is not operating in a vacuum. Other national interests are being debated such as tariffs, the so
called permanent Indian Frontier, impending statehood for Arkansas, the Jackson administration, the Texas question etc.
This is a first person interpretive event. Participants should be prepared to discuss these themes not only
with the public, but amongst themselves. Those uncomfortable with first person interpretation may use third person when speaking
with the public.
IMPRESSIONS NEEDED
The following historical impressions are encouraged and desired for this event. US Regular Infantry, Artillery
and Dragoons, uniformed and non uniformed city militia, citizens of St. Augustine, Seminoles both male and female (by invitation
only).
One of the wonderful things about this event is the location in a city. This is not a far flung wilderness
outpost. Ladies and gentlemen are encouraged to sport their finery. St. Augustine was a refined city of long standing.
If you are doing a civilian impression and not falling in as one of the militia, then there is no need to
bring long arms or accoutrements.
ARRIVING ON SITE
You may begin arriving on site by noon of Friday April 15. Please check with the Headquarters tent for your
camp location. Do not set up your camp until you have been shown your area.
There will be a designated parking area. Unload your gear and move your vehicle to that area. No vehicles
may be in camp overnight during the event. This is not Andrew Jackson’s Used Car Lot!
The Fountain of Youth is an admission fee park. When arriving please let the fee booth know you are a part
of the 7th INF Living history event.
COMMAND STRUCTURE
The overall commander for this event is Steve Abolt. Joe Blunt will serve as liaison between the site and
participants. When in military formations COL. Abolt will command the Regular troops. LT Blunt will command the city militia.
ON SITE ACCOMODATIONS AND AMENITIES
All participants staying on site should be in period tents. For those members of the 7th INF the
company tents will be there for your use.
All tents which are open to the public should be kept neat and orderly. If you do not want visitors in your
tent please keep the flaps tied shut.
During public hours please no slat chairs, and other anachronistic items in the company streets. Firewood
will be limited. The Commanding Officer has no compunction about using your slat chair for additional fuel. Do your part
and police your area. Eventually the authenticity of any event rests mostly in the individual participants hands.
There will be places to rest and relax in the period tavern. More information on that will be found further
down in this package.
There is a modern restroom available for out use along with a water point. There will be no port-lets. The
location of the restrooms to the camp is no farther than we encamped at the Spanish Quarter Village two years ago.
Firewood is available for the cook fires only. If you feel you need a campfire…in Florida…in
April??? You will need to bring your own. BE AWARE this is an archeological park. No fire pits may be
dug! Fires will be placed in designated areas only.
Bedding straw will be provided only if requested prior to the event. If you do not contact us concerning
your need of it, then none will be provided. We are trying to keep costs down. Your help is greatly appreciated.
STAYING OFF SITE
The city of St. Augustine has many fantastic hotels and B&B’s. Those who want a more genteel experience
can certainly stay in one of these. All participants staying off site are asked to be on site by 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
MEAL PLAN
No meal plan will be offered this year units and individual will have to make thier own arrangements
for meals.
AFTER HOURS RELAXATION
We are going to be operating a period tavern at the event. The tavern will be set up in COL. Abolt’s
marquee. (Actually it is Mrs. COL’s. He bought it for her. They’ll be staying in another tent.)
The tavern will be a first person gathering place. There will be refreshments, games, music, news and gossip
of the day. The tavern will operate Friday evening, all day Saturday and into Saturday evening.
Participants who desire alcoholic beverages in the tavern may provide their own in a period bottle.
The following rules for the tavern are hard and fast. There are no exceptions.
1. No smoking in Mrs. COL’s marquee. You may smoke in the area outside under the fly.
2. No drunken or lewd behavior. Do that somewhere else. Violate and you are gone.
3. No consumption of alcohol during public hours.
We want the tavern to become more of a permanent part of events. This is a trial. Further use of the tavern
depends on you. We don’t need a tome of rules. Use your common sense. But, please be aware, there is no leeway
in regards to unacceptable behavior.
We have never had a problem when we have used this at previous venues. I am sure we won’t have a problem
here. But all need to know exactly where I am coming from before participating.
SCHEDULE
The event opens to the public at 10a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Public programs on Saturday will end at 4:00
pm. The event will end in total at noon on Sunday. A schedule of daily activities will be posted at the Headquarters tent.
FIRING DEMONSTRATIONS
Those wishing to demonstrate the firing of long arms will have an area set aside. No random discharge of
weapons. Anyone who wishes to fire must provide their own cartridges. It is recommended that all participants, whether Regular
or militia have a full cartridge box in case of need during the drill sessions. Participants are responsible to provide their
own cartridges.
It should go without saying, but to emphasize: No live rounds are permitted.
As has been our tradition we will place a Memorial Wreath at the National Cemetery on late Saturday afternoon.
We usually march from the Castillo to the Cemetery. This is a distance of 1 mile.
The Fountain of Youth Park is located 1 and ½ miles north of the Castillo. To facilitate the Memorial Wreath
service the following will be done. At 4:00 pm the event at the Fountain of Youth Park will wind down. Participants who wish
to be a part of the ceremony will be driven to the cemetery.
It is our plan to have as few vehicles as possible needed for transport. There will be a cargo van to transport
a good sized number. Following the ceremony we will proceed back to the Fountain of Youth Park for the evening meal.
Our ceremony is simple, yet moving. Sadly these men have been forgotten in our Nation’s collective
memory. While others may not remember, we do. You are encouraged to join us.
CONCLUSION
Because of individuals like yourself the 175th anniversary of this forgotten time will be a success.
Having worked with so many of you in the past I have seen you carry yourselves with pride and honor. This is true for soldiers,
civilians, Seminole Warriors and dependents.
I am honored to know you and to know you are considering joining us during the course of the 175th
activities. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at
