2011 Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment

Hours, Costs, and Parking

Gates open at 9:00am on Saturday and Sunday, March 12th and 13th. Activities are continuous throughout the day, culminating in a clash of forces each afternoon at 2 pm. The camps will remain open to the public until 4:00 pm each day. Please consult the Schedule of Events for a more specific timetable.

Entry donation is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students, ages 9 to 17. Children 8 and under are admitted free of charge.

The general admission parking area is located near the entrance to the site. The Citrus County Sheriff's Posse will be on hand (and on horseback) to assist you in parking your vehicle. (The Sheriff's Posse will be accepting donations in support of their Posse Program--this is separate from the entry donation.) There will be a continuous shuttle service between the parking lot and the spectator area (usually on bales of hay).

Refreshments and the Sutlery

Food choices at the reenactment feature both period items and modern concessions. Popular among the traditional cuisine is "Indian Fry Bread", sweet and salty kettle corn, and authentic home-made soft drinks. For those who want more modern faire, there is pizza, burgers and fries, and barbeque.

The sutlers were the traveling merchants of the day. They would set up shop near an encamped army, and would supply soldiers with items that were not issued by their government. Many of the comforts of home could be had by soldiers willing to part with some of their meager earnings. The sutlers who come to the Nature Coast Reenactment provide a wide range of goods available for reenactors, spectators, as well as spectators who wish to be reenactors. Authentic period items and educational materieals can also be found within the sutler area.

Viewing the Battle

During the daily activities, all spectators are strongly encouraged to visit the Union and Confederate Camps. This is the chance to get a glimpse of what life was like for the soldiers during the Civil War--drilling, preparing weapons and ammunition, eating, and engaging in various pasttimes. Feel free to speak with the reenactors about almost any aspect of the Civil War or reenacting--you will find most of them passionate about history and the hobby. If you feel like this is something you'd like to become involved with, any of the officers or NCOs will be able to point you in the right direction.

As the scheduled battle becomes imminent, "first call" will sound and the soldiers will begin to organize. At this point, the camps will close and all spectators will assemble behind the yellow or orange tape designating the spectator line (see the site map) You may bring your own chairs, but if you'd rather not lug them around all day, folding chairs will be available to rent, for a nominal charge.