South of Indiantown Road, the sawgrass still whispers secrets of a conflict that defined the Florida frontier. Most commuters driving past Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park see a lush, modern preserve. But for a dedicated group of “time travelers,” the asphalt of 2026 melts away every January, replaced by the damp wool, black powder, and high stakes of 1838.
This is the world of Florida’s Second Seminole War reenactors—a community of historians, veterans, and enthusiasts who believe that the best way to understand the past isn’t to read about it, but to stand in its smoke. **The event takes place at the historic Riverbend Park, which is part of the Black Cultural Heritage Trail.**
Photo by STET News
The “Farby” Resistance
In the world of serious reenacting, there is no greater insult than being called “farby.” It’s a derogatory term for anything out of place: a plastic water bottle, a modern wristwatch, or transition lenses on a pair of glasses.
“If you have ‘farby’ things, it destroys the illusion,” says Mike Heitman of the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservationists.
The commitment to authenticity is staggering. Reenactors like Keith Kolb of Ocala go as far as sourcing antique frames for their prescription lenses. Many spend upwards of $2,500 on gear—hand-sewn A-frame tents, “hog-slaughterer” hats, and period-accurate canteens. Some even arrive a day early to camp on the actual soil where 1,500 U.S. soldiers once clashed with 300 Native Americans. They sleep on the ground, seeking a spiritual connection with the fallen.
More Than Names and Dates
The Battle of the Loxahatchee, fought on January 24, 1838, was the final major engagement of the Second Seminole War. While the Civil War dominates national history books, reenactors argue that the Seminole Wars shaped the Florida we live in today. From Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale, the state’s very geography is a map of the military outposts established during this grueling conflict.
“It is the best way to engage people who don’t know anything about Florida’s history,” Heitman explains. “It’s so much better and easier than reading names and dates of dead white men in some book.”
When the cannons roar and the muskets crackle over the Loxahatchee, the reenactors aren’t just performing; they are teaching. They explain how 35% of the “Seminoles” were actually runaway slaves, making this conflict one of the largest slave insurrections in American history.
The Thinning Barrier
There is a moment, the reenactors say, when the choreography of the mock battle fades and a “you were there” sensation takes over. The smell of sulfur hangs heavy in the humid Florida air, and for a split second, the 188-year gap between the past and present wears thin.
Unlike the real battle, no blood is shed at the park this Saturday. But as the smoke clears and the public approaches the soldiers and Seminole warriors to ask questions, the goal remains the same: to ensure that the spirits of 1838 are never truly forgotten.
If You Go:
- What: Reenactment of the Battle of the Loxahatchee
- Where: Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park, Jupiter, FL
- When: Main battle begins at 2:00 PM (January 24th)
- Admission: Free to the public
Happy Travels 