Battery B, 1st U.S. Artillery Reenactments Page

Reenactments, Battery B, 1^st U.S. Artillery

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The artillery unit is the host unit for Fort Taylor's annual Civil War Days held the second weekend of February. This long-running event depicts the Federal seizure of Fort Taylor in 1861 and the fort's role in the war as the headquarters for the East Gulf Coast Blockading Squadron. Among the highlights of the event are a land-sea battle between Federal forces and suspected Confederate blockade runners and the trial of ship's captain accused of running the Federal blockade. Information about Civil War Days is here. The battery also participates in various Civil War reenactments throughout Florida.

Battery B also hosts a Living History Saturday the third Saturday of each month. Our program demonstrates a soldier's life at Fort Taylor in 1861 as well as exploring the civilian point of view. The military component demonstrates infantry drill on the parade grounds. Then, it's time for artillery drill with our field pieces and with the heavy artillery in the casemates of Fort Taylor. Meantime, our civilian contingent expresses its opinions about the Federal army being this far south and what the army's presence here could mean for the success of the Confederacy.

Battery B is also a part of the Conch Republic Army, serving as the 1^st Conch Republic Artillery Battalion. The battery participates in the annual Conch Republic Independence Days celebration. The celebration kicks off with the C.R. Army's "taking" of Fort Taylor and culminates with the Great Sea Battle. The artillery joins forces with the Conch Republic Navy and Conch Republic Air Force in holding the island against the "invading Federal forces" in the reenactment of the birth of the Conch Republic in 1982. Information about the Conch Republic is here.

Battery members are on double duty during the annual Pirates in Paradise Festival at Fort Taylor the first weekend of December. A portion of the battery wear the redcoats of the Royal Marines while other members show off their piratical side as sailors of the Brethren of the Coast during the Golden Age of Pyracy. The event also features a reenactment of the trial of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Learn more about the event here.

Battery B, First U.S. Artillery, Inc. is a non-profit organization registered with the Florida Department of State.