Reenactment of Boston Skirmishes at Breed Hill 1775

An event on April 29th at the Hernando County Fair Grounds is now set. This will be similar to the one last spring. What is unique this year is that there will be two encampments, one will be representing Patriot Militia and the other will be British. This year, the event is joined by the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment. Setup can occur on Friday the 28th and, optional teardown can be Sunday the 30th. Campers/RVs are permitted this year for reenactors.

Our sponsor for the event is the Marine Corps League 708 in conjunction with Register Chevrolet & RV. This group does extensive veteran assistance programs, and scholarship programs for High schools and funds affordable special events for the local community. They also have the young Marines, and Cub Scouts, along with ROTC. The 708 runs Toys for Tots also Honor Guard, and the color guard programs in Hernando County. The Marine Corps League 708 is an all-veteran organization. All proceeds generated on the 29th will go to assist veterans. This event will charge at the gate so you will find those who come in attendance to be very interested in history. Our role is to run two scrimmages, one at 11 am and one at 3 pm.

The event is to teach the public about events occurring in Boston in about 1775. The plan is to reenact a skirmish on Breeds Hill (Bunker Hill). Our EFR rangers will be a small group of Americans on the left flank. History says we were commanded by Colonel John Stark of the 1st New Hampshire militia. Before the British advance, Colonel Stark placed a marker (we will use a stick and small flag) and instructed his untrained men to all fire when the British reached the marker. Our British compatriots of the 42nd will dramatically fall back with casualties while returning an irregular fire at the Americans. The Marine Corps League is renting 5 additional British uniforms for the event. Their ROTC cadets will wear them. HOWEVER, THERE ARE NO MUSKETS TO RENT! So, if anyone has any flintlocks that are gathering dust, please bring them. The Cadets will not shoot them but at least they can carry them.

We hope that we can have tents in both camps, Patriot and British. Please bring fly and tables to display items of interest to the crowd. Plan on a firepit, kettle, maybe cooks something. We want to offer our visitors an opportunity to see what revolutionary life was like. Please confirm by email who can come for the day and who can come the night before and set up tents. Please email me at bob@lostpine.com.

The fairgrounds have restrooms, there should be food trucks and there will also be an antique car and truck show on the grounds. Please contact other reenactors. They can fall in with either the 42nd Royal Highland or the Rangers. Rangers will wear Rev War clothing. This means riflemen’s frocks, long coats, waistcoats, breeches, high socks, and black/brown buckle shoes are preferred. Tricorn or ranger felt hats, no straw hats, or long pants. Bring your flintlocks and at least two dozen cartridges. Expect visitors all day Saturday.

We are short on militia and British Regulars. Native Americans, and Seminole Wars reenactors are welcome even if you just come as a day visitor for Saturday. While St. Augustine is a long drive away, the Marine Corps hope some of you who support Colonial Night Watch will consider supporting this event. It is on the West side of the State. There are a lot of people there interested in history and it is great PR for the living history groups.

Bob Samson, Adjutant of East Florida Rangers