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Spectators choose sides at Battle of Ballast Point
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Thursday, March 1, 2007
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![[Image]](/content_images/030107_pco-01.jpg) |
| Photo by LEE CLARK ZUMPE |
| Members of the American Spirit Fife and Drum perform as Union Civil War unit with the 97th Pennslyvania at the eighth annual Battle of Ballast Point Civil War re-enactment at Fort De Soto. |
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TIERRA VERDE – With a steady breeze, mild temperatures and amiable weather, the Blue and the Gray clashed beneath azure skies on the southernmost tip of the county as the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry staged the eighth annual Battle of Ballast Point Civil War re-enactment.
Beachgoers and history buffs mingled this weekend at Fort De Soto County Park, where the rousing strains of both “Dixie” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” could be heard.
Area re-enactors presented an authentic depiction of life during the Civil War, portraying the historical skirmish as well as a mock trial and execution, a ladies’ tea, reveille and colors.
The Battle of Ballast Point actually took place in October 1863 in Tampa, near the intersection of Gandy and Bayshore boulevards, according to researcher Lewis Zerfas. It involved a federal landing party which set out to capture or destroy Confederate blockade-running ships. While the detachment’s raid was successful, on its way back to the ship, the force was surprised by a detachment of the garrison, the 2nd Florida Infantry Battalion. A fierce firefight ensued resulting in casualties. Only when Union gunboats were within range were the Confederates forced to withdraw.
This year’s annual re-enactment, though, was far more than a simple re-creation of the physical combat.
Visitors were transported back in time to the 1860s as they strolled through the Union and Confederate camps as well as the sutlers’ area.
The sutlers were civilians who were authorized to travel with regiments to sell provisions including food and tobacco products. Sutlers at this weekend’s event sold everything from kettle corn and hardtack to cassettes and CDs of period music. Also available were quilts, replicas of Civil War era toys and uniforms.
To learn more about the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, e-mail coa_97thpa@hotmail.com or visit www.97thpvicoa.us.
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Article published on Thursday, March 1, 2007
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