Step back in time at Palatka occupation
The historic Bronson-Mulholland House as a backdrop for re-enactors during Saturday's ninth occupation of Palatka 1864.
PALATKA – Union encampments, artillery and Southern belles will all be on hand for the ninth annual Occupation of Palatka 1864 on Saturday, Sept. 29
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. visitors have a chance to take a step back in time to see what life was like during the Civil War when Union troops occupied the city of Palatka. All events are free.
With the historic Bronson-Mulholland House as a backdrop, re-enactors for the 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, 115th/48th New York Infantry and Second Florida Cavalry will once again be at the historic house. And, yes, this is the very house Union troops turned into a barracks during the Civil War.
Ironically, the house was built in 1854 by a New Yorker, a judge who was appointed to Florida in part because he was an abolitionist. Left empty by the judge’s widow during the Civil War, the house first served as an observation tower for Confederate troops before Union troops occupied the town.
The house and the grounds at 100 Madison St. in Palatka’s North Historic District will be swarming with activity. Double Trouble Victorian Theatre, St. Augustine Impressionists, a Union Navy Camp, author Leah Oxendine, artist Esme Coward and a Union medical tent are scheduled. Tours will be available at both the Bronson-Mulholland House and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, built in 1855. Cannons will be fired on the hour by the Ft. Clinch Artillery.
All events at the Bronson-Mulholland festivities are free. The event is sponsored by the Putnam County Historical Society. Held rain or shine.
Going on the same weekend is the Bartram Festival, a trip back to the 18th century and a chance to find out about the life and times of the nation’s first homegrown naturalist William Bartram.
NINTH ANNUAL OCCUPATION OF PALATKA 1864
FACTS AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Ninth annual Occupation of Palatka 1864
WHEN: Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Bronson-Mulholland House, 100 Madison Street, Palatka FL
COST: Free.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.putnam-fl-historical-society.org/ Leave message. Or call 386-385-3975
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