053-640220-[A]Olustee.20 - WDS Forgotten Campaigns

(Alternative--Non-historic location--20 minute turns) Abe Lincoln wanted to establish a Union presence in Florida to launch the state on the road to reunion, as was happening in Louisiana, Arkansas and other states, but it is sometimes dangerous for political motives to dictate military operations. In one particular, Olustee was a lot like the big battle at Chickamauga, five months earlier. The similarity is that in both instances, they were the only game in town. In September '63, Gettysburg had been fought, Vicksburg had been captured, and for different reasons the armies involved were inactive.. By February 64, the Battle of Chattanooga had been fought and won by the Union, and the armies were girding up for the spring of 1864. When Truman Seymour invaded Florida, there was not a lot of pressure elsewhere to prevent the Confederacy from strongly reinforcing Joe Finegan's little army. The result was two closely matched forces, with the rebels fighting on their home turf, just like Chickamauga. Reference: Confederate Florida--the Road to Olustee" by William H Nulty.