Near Olustee in Baker County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

A Bloody Massacre

By Mark Hilton, March 7, 2020

1. A Bloody Massacre Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

At this point in the battle, the Union had five cannons captured and nearly every other cannon was rendered useless. “The horses and men were nearly all killed or wounded, and it was the greatest slaughter among artillery known in the history of this war.”

–James H. Clark; “The Iron Hearted Regiment,"
115th New York, 1865

During the engagement, a train of cars arrived bringing reinforcements for the Confederates. General Colquitt had a large cannon mounted on a railroad flatcar which shot a large shell every five minutes, devastating the Union troops.

"...Our companies were enduring an increased musketry fire from front and flank. Sharpshooters were observed perched in the trees, but a few volleys brought them down. We were sustaining casualties every moment; but most of the missiles passed overhead.” – Luis F. Emilio,
History of the 54th Massachusetts

Erected by Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location.

A Bloody Massacre Marker looking over the battlefield. image. Click for full size.

By Mark Hilton, March 7, 2020

2. A Bloody Massacre Marker looking over the battlefield.

Union soldiers are still buried in unknown graves here.

Click or scan to see
this page online

30° 13.149′ N, 82° 23.62′ W. Marker is near Olustee, Florida, in Baker County. Marker can be reached from Battlefield Trail 0.4 miles north of U.S. 90. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5815 Battlefield Trail, Olustee FL 32072, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hold That Line (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle Rages (about 400 feet away); Confusion Under Fire (approx. 0.2 miles away); Retreat (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Battle Intensifies (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cries and Cheers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fight or Die (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Yankees are Coming (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olustee.

Also see . . . Battle of Olustee article by the Olustee Battlefield Citizens Support Organization. (Submitted on March 8, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park entrance. image. Click for full size.

By Mark Hilton, March 7, 2020

3. Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.