The Last Battle of Narcoossee Mill

  • Saturday was Union victory, but Sunday saw the reverse at the Battle of Narcoossee Mill. PHOTOS/TERRY LLOYD
    Saturday was Union victory, but Sunday saw the reverse at the Battle of Narcoossee Mill. PHOTOS/TERRY LLOYD
  • Union “blue bellies” form up for battle at the Battle of Narcoossee Mill Saturday. PHOTOS/TERRY LLOYD
    Union “blue bellies” form up for battle at the Battle of Narcoossee Mill Saturday. PHOTOS/TERRY LLOYD
  • Alt Text for Image
    Alt Text for Image

A 30-year Osceola County tradition ended this weekend when the last shots were fired during the last Battle of Narcoossee Mill, the annual Civil War reenactment held at Ralph V. Chisholm Park in Narcoossee that started in the 1990s.

One of the reasons stated for ending the event is the extensive development planned for the now-City of St. Cloud park over the next few years.

“The City gave us a few more years until the actual development start date was determined, but we decided to end it right at the 30-year mark, so we could plan this as the last battle,” said Al Massey, 10th Brigade Commander, Florida Division Sons of Confederate Veterans, and member of St. Cloud’s Jacob Summerlin Camp 1516, which has organized the event each year.

As in past years, the lakeside park was transformed into troop camps, a Civil War-era military hospital, and a sutlers row of merchants that followed armies and sold them clothing and other provisions. Other civilian re-enactors presented displays of how life was in America in the 1860s. Civil War era music was provided by the Seven Pounds of Bacon band.

This year also saw the final Education Day, a living history event held each year on the Friday before the Battle Weekend. Despite the intermittent rain, school children saw authentic recreations of life as it was during the Civil War era of 18611865. The children had live interaction with speakers and Civil War era re-enactors and lunch provided by Jacob Summerlin Camp.

The annual battle was a fundraising event for the Jacob Summerlin Camp, which funds scholarships, Christmas gift card giveaways, and the Hunley Award for Jr. ROTC programs at area high schools.

The camp will continue its charitable activities and hold fundraisers going forward, according to Massey. For more information see https://bit.ly/3VyMxCU