Bushnell, Florida – The 189th anniversary of the Dade Massacre, a battle that helped begin the Second Seminole War, will be commemorated on December 28th at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell, Florida.
The memorial service will honor both the U.S. Army soldiers and Seminole warriors who lost their lives during the 1835 conflict. Attendees will experience living history presentations and reenactments on the very grounds where the battle occurred nearly two centuries ago.
Honoring History and Sacrifice
The Dade Battlefield Society invites the public to join park staff, volunteers, and reenactors for a special ceremony recognizing the sacrifices made on all sides during the Second Seminole War. The event will feature guest speakers recounting the events and significance of the December 28, 1835, clash that initiated the conflict. The observance will culminate in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the reconstructed breastworks in front of the park’s Visitor Center.
The park, designated as a National Historic Landmark, preserves the memory of the soldiers and Seminole warriors who fought in the battle. Volunteers in period attire and living historians will help bring the events of that day to life for visitors.
A Day That Changed History
On December 28, 1835, a cold, rainy morning in central Florida set the stage for tragedy. A detachment of 108 U.S. Army soldiers, led by Major Francis L. Dade, marched along the Fort King Military Road, a 105-mile trail connecting Fort Brooke (near modern-day Tampa) to Fort King (near Ocala). The soldiers, en route to reinforce Fort King amid tensions with the Seminole tribe, were unaware they were being shadowed by Seminole warriors.
The Seminoles, led by Chief Micanopy and supported by other tribal leaders known as Jumper and Alligator, were determined to resist U.S. efforts to relocate their people forcibly. That morning, the Seminoles launched a devastating ambush from the cover of tall grass and scrub. Major Dade and over half his men were killed in the initial attack.
The surviving soldiers attempted to defend themselves by constructing a triangular breastwork from felled trees. However, the makeshift fortification could not withstand the relentless assault. By the end of the day, all but three of the soldiers were killed or mortally wounded.
The battle marked a significant escalation in the Second Seminole War and prompted changes in U.S. military tactics. Today, the site remains a place of reflection and learning, with U.S. Army officers still visiting the park yearly for training on lessons learned.
Upcoming Reenactment Event
In addition to the December 28 memorial service, the park will host a full reenactment of the Dade Massacre on January 4th and 5th, 2025. The event will include a detailed recreation of the battle, living history demonstrations, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
For those interested in attending, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is located at 7200 Battlefield Parkway, Bushnell, FL 33513. More information can be obtained by calling (352) 793-4781 or visiting www.dadebattlefield.com.
