Dade Massacre - 2nd Seminole War Launched!

[Steve_in_Florida]

Yesterday, I rode my FJ to witness a re-enactment of the event that launched the 2nd Seminole War here in Florida.



Dade Battlefield Society 33rd Annual Reenactment

From the Dade Battlefield Society web site ( www.dadebattlefield.com ):

The Seminole resistance to removal to a reservation brought about the Second Seminole War. It started on December 28,1835, when a column of 107 soldiers led by Major Dade were ambushed by the Seminole warriors at the Dade Battle in Sumter County, Florida.

"Have a good heart; our difficulties and dangers are over now, and as soon as we arrive at Fort King you'll have three days to rest and keep Christmas gaily." Major Francis L. Dade spoke these words of encouragement to 107 cold, tired soldiers in a pine forest on the morning of December 28, 1835. Within eight hours, only three soldiers would survive the battle that marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War.

Further references:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dade_Massacre

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole_Wars#Second_Seminole_War

All in all, it was a pretty nice ride. The local weather report called for a shitty weekend, with rain and morning fog in the forecast. Saturday turned out to be a really nice day, so I decided to risk it for a Sunday ride to the battlefield site.

Here's a link to a gallery pictures I downloaded from the local newspaper account of the event:

http://s1085.beta.photobucket.com/user/Steve_in_Florida/library/Dade%20Massacre%20-%202013

Lots of period-correct re-enactors were on hand, with campsites portraying life from the 1830 time frame. Good food and friendly people.

Hotness:



Yes, I got rained on during the ride home. It's fun to ride with a damp crotch!

Steve

[craigo]

Nice travel report, Steve.

Really enjoyed that, thanks.

CraigO