Retaking of Fort Marion – 150th Anniversary

Historic City News will be standing by when Federal forces, including Union Navy and Marines, mark the 150th anniversary of the retaking of Fort Marion at St Augustine in a Civil War re-enactment being staged by the National Park Service on March 10th.

“We currently have people selected to play the speaking roles for the special programs,” Historic Weapons Supervisor Jeffrey Edel told Historic City News reporters. “A limited number of Civilians are welcome to participate.”

According to Edel, parking is available at the Castillo Headquarters for anyone who wishes to participate; however, you must arrive between 8:00 and 9:00 Saturday morning for registration and weapons inspection. “Anyone arriving after 9:00 a.m., unless already advance registered, cannot participate,” Edel said.

The performance will be repeated for the 11:00 and 3:00 event.

At the conclusion of the Artillery demonstration at about 10:30 a.m., the American Flag will be lowered over the fort and will be replaced by the First National Flag of the Confederacy.

Shortly before 11:00 and again at 3:00 p.m., Mayor Bravo makes his way up to the gun deck to replace the Confederate flag with the white flag of surrender; hoping to stop the potential disaster the Federal arrival could otherwise bring.

A threatening formation of “Federals” and their commander enter the courtyard to address the citizens and Mayor Bravo.

The governor has ordered the abandonment of East Florida in favor of a stand at Apalachicola, so Mayor Bravo allows troops to hoist the Federal colors at the gun deck of the fort.

At the conclusion of the dramatic presentation, the characters will be available to meet fort visitors.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument ranger programs and historic weapons demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day as well as special themed programs depicting the retake of the fort; beginning at 11:00 am and again at 3:00 pm.

The day’s events conclude at 5:00 and the fort closes at 5:15 p.m.

Photo credits: © 2012 Historic City News staff photographer