When did the Battle of Olustee take place?
The battle took place on the 20th of February 1864. Union and Confederate forces collided near Ocean Pond around 2:30 p.m. that day.
The battle took place on the 20th of February 1864. Union and Confederate forces collided near Ocean Pond around 2:30 p.m. that day.
Union General Truman Seymour led approximately 5,500 men during the engagement. He faced Confederate Brigadier General Joseph Finegan who commanded about 5,000 troops.
The battle occurred in open pine woods near Lake City, Florida. The specific location is now preserved as Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park within the Osceola National Forest.
Union casualties totaled 1,861 men including 203 killed, 1,152 wounded, and 506 missing. Confederate losses numbered 949 total with 93 killed and 848 wounded.
Black regiments played a crucial role in defending the Union rear guard. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment and the 35th United States Colored Troops both composed of Black soldiers fought fiercely.