Historic District in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

On With The Show

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 26, 2019

1. On With The Show Marker

Inscription.
In 1840, an acting troupe visiting St. Augustine fell victim to a Seminole attack.

A theatrical troupe and other travelers making their way by stagecoach to St. Augustine, was ambushed on the Picolata Road by Seminole chief Coacoochee "Wild Cat" and his warriors. One of the performers and four other passengers were killed.

Undaunted, the surviving thespians proceeded to St. Augustine where they conducted performances for the next two weeks.

Months later several Indians were spotted wearing Shakespearean costumes from the plundered baggage wagon.

Erected by Historic Tours of America.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 29° 54.504′ N, 81° 19.173′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in the Historic District. Marker can be reached from San Marco Avenue (Florida Highway A1A) (Business U.S. 1) south of Dufferin Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located along the "History Walk" at the north end of the St. Augustine History Museum parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 167 San Marco Avenue, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker. Henry Flagler's "Winter Newport" (here, next to this marker); Slaves No More (here, next to this marker); Viva Cuba! (here, next to this marker); Up in Smoke (here, next to this marker); Arriving in Style (a few steps from this marker); Jail on Wheels (a few steps from this marker); Chain Gangs (a few steps from this marker); Walk to Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Regarding On With The Show. If ever a group of actors lived by the creed "The show must go on," it was the William C. Forbes acting troupe. In 1840, they were headed for St. Augustine for a series of performances when they became a footnote in the Second Seminole Indian War when, about seven or eight miles outside of St. Augustine, the travelers were attacked by a band of Seminoles.
Those in a stagecoach, including Forbes and the actresses, got away; those in the wagons weren't as lucky.

Marker detail: Seminole Chief Coacoochee image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Seminole Chief Coacoochee

On With The Show Marker<br>(<i>wide view • parking lot and Dufferin Street in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 26, 2019

3. On With The Show Marker
(wide view • parking lot and Dufferin Street in background)

Turn of the Century History Walk<br>(<i>access marker along this walkway</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 26, 2019

4. Turn of the Century History Walk
(access marker along this walkway)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 29, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.