Battle of Bowlegs Creek, April 7, 1864

During the war between the south (Confederates) and the north (Union) Florida was of vital importance to the Confederate States as the sole meat supplier for the Southern armies opposing General Sherman in north Georgia.  During the dry season an average of 2000 head of cattle per week were driven north to feed the Confederate Army.  In an effort to impede this activity and shorten the war the US government reactivated Fort Myers as an army post.  Their mission was to steal or kill as many cattle as possible to disrupt the delivery of the beef to the Confederates.  The war in Florida was not for territory but for supply - livestock.

Confederate soldiers stationed at Fort Meade had the job of stopping the Union raids and keep those cattle moving north to Georgia to feed their grey clad soldiers.  In February 1864 a Union raiding party moved up the Peace River Valley to capture horses, cattle and whatever supplies they could take.  They burned homes and other buildings and destroyed crops.  They ran into Confederate soldiers where the Bowlegs Creek meets the Peace River near Fort Meade.  From what I have read it is hard to determine who really won that battle but it appears that the Confederate troops actually won that day and then retreated back to Fort Meade.  Anyway we all know who ultimately won that war.

To celebrate the 150th annivrsary of this battle there was a reinactment presented at the park near Fort Meade where we put in our kayaks last week.  There was likely 50 soldiers on each side.  Several cannons were being fired and all the weapons.  Very loud!!!

The Confederates

Union soldiers

Union soldiers are winning - the Confederates have many casualties

Tom chatting up a lady dressed in period dress.  Her husband was one of the Rebs.

Today the Union troops won the battle.  This lady was telling us that the actors have both a blue and a grey uniform so they can fight for either side.  They take turns winning but usually on Sundays they let the Union win.  They put on a very interesting performance and gave us a look at some American history.

We headed back to the resort to take in the Super Bowl party at the clubhouse.  It was a pretty pathetic game so Judy and I headed over the the pool room to shoot a few games will the boys watched football.

Another beautiful, hot and sunny day. This is what we came for!!   Until next time - safe travels.