Ft. Clinch Living History Weekend

by Lydia Filzen

A-R Brett Watson, Warren Chard and Maureen Watson. Brett Watson is operating a "blow pipe" to stoke the cook fire.

"Imagine you are stepping into the past. The year is 1864 and the Civil War is in progress. Ahead of you is a masonry fort under construction. Union soldiers are involved in the building of the fort. Ask them questions about the lives they lead stationed at Ft. Clinch. Follow the path into 1864."

So reads the sign at the walkway leading into Ft. Clinch, a state park located at Fernandina Beach, Florida, at the northeast corner where the Amelia River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The United States government started constructing the pentagon shaped fort in 1847 and it was garrisoned by troops during the Civil War and the Spanish American War.

Park service personnel strive to keep the interior of Ft. Clinch faithful to the conditions of the mid 1860's. Permanent brick buildings include a jail, barracks, cooking and storage facilities. Around the perimeter rise high walls bristling with artillery pieces facing the beach. Arched tunnels lead from the parade grounds and storage areas to the battle stations. The design assured that supply and communications between the interior of the fort and the staging area could continue in safety if the fort came under attack.

Butch Walron with "Reinzi."

The first weekend every month, re-enactors don Union uniforms and ladies wear hoop skirts to participate in living history exhibits. April 3 and 4 hosted one of the larger events through the year, with re-enactors traveling from as far away as Maryland to participate. They offered demonstrations in Civil War era medicine, crafts and military justice during the day on Saturday. That night guides gave a candlelight tour of the fort, and on Sunday morning the chaplain of the 54th Massachusetts infantry preached for the crowd

Middleburg, Florida resident Butch Waldron participated as a member of the 4th Massachusetts cavalry. Hebrought his horse Reinzi, named after Union General Phil Sheridan's mount. He participates in various Civil War events throughout the year. Like many other re-enactors, sometimes he switches sides and rides in Confederate gray. He said, "We're the only cavalry unit allowed to bring horses to Fort Clinch because of our professionalism and respect for the rules."

Children dress in period clothing too.

Orange Park, Florida resident Robert Simmons also wore blue, as a sergeant in the 13th Indiana Infantry. He said he was always interested in history, particularly in the Civil War era. One of his comrades in the Navy Reserve introduced him to re-enacting. He participates in seven or eight events a year.

Maryland resident Rick Reichard, a retired policeman, plans to move to Florida permanently, partly for the sake of his hobby. He said, "Florida is the best state for re-enactments." He noted that the state park personnel here value the history of the region and treat the participants well.

According to Maureen Watson, Park Services Specialist, over 500 guests toured the fort Saturday, and a smaller number was expected Sunday. She considered it a good turnout, and the admission fees help support the ongoing restoration of the fort.

Caryl Stevens, a Ladies Retreat member, said a total of about seventy male and female re-enactors attended. While the men play their military roles, the women crafts that were part of everyday life in the 1860's, such as making soap, candles, and needlework. All meals are cooked over fires using the same methods and utensils available during that period. Both male and female re-enactors make every effort to dress authentically and characterize behavior and speech appropriate for the times they portray.

Casey Selley and Lee Bledsoe with clay pipe

For a study in contrast, one can stand on the battlements of the fort next to the nineteenth century cannons andwatch nuclear submarines power through the inlet from Kings Bay.

During the Memorial Day weekend, World War II allies occupy the fort, and a Spanish American War weekend takes place in June. Twice a year Confederates occupy the fort just as they did during the early days of the Civil War.

The park entrance is at 2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach. A scenic three-mile drive through a canopy of trees leads to the fort. Camping facilities are available, along with nature trails, bike paths and fishing areas. For information on events, hours of operation and admission rates, call the park at 904-277-7274 or go to the website at http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.