THE USS OTTAWA


RE-ENACTING THE CIVIL WAR UNION NAVY

The USS Ottawa Union Navy Civil War Re-enactors Unit is based in Pinellas County, Florida. Began in 1990, the men and women of the USS Ottawa recreate the authentic costumes, battles tactics and weapons of the United States Civil War. The Civil War took place from April 1861 to April 1865, and the United States Navy, known at the time as the Union Navy, participated in many important naval battles along the coasts, and rivers of the United States as well as on the oceans.

THE ORIGINAL VESSEL AND HER HISTORY

The USS Ottawa was an actual Naval topsail schooner rigged, steam driven, wood hull gunboat. She was commissioned in October 1861 and saw action along the Atlantic Coast

The Ottawa was stationed throughout the Civil War with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron that the Union had placed against Confederate ports. She cruised on the St. John's River in Florida and other rivers along the Atlantic, and participated in the siege of Charleston, South Carolina in 1863 The Ottawa fired on Ft. Sumter after the fort was taken over by the Confederates, recaptured Ft. Clinch in Florida (first U.S. fort to be re-taken), and found and raised the sunken yacht America on the St. Johns River.

Altogether, the Ottawa was involved in 19 actions throughout the war and was hit several times. It even transported Army troops on several occasions. The Ottawa's original crew numbered about 95 hands.

NOTE: Official information about and history of the original USS Ottawa and it's mission can be found online at Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships - USS Ottawa Actual photos of the Union Navy are available from the National Archives and their Mathew Brady collection.

THE REENACTORS

Members of the USS Ottawa Re-enactors taken at Brooksville Raid in Spring Hill, Florida on January 23, 2001. From left to right, you can see
Standing:
David Poe,
Greg Centanne, and
Doug Poe.
Sitting: Dan Postman and
Rick. . Thank you to Linda and Wayne for this picture.

Members of the USS Ottawa Re-enactors taken after capturing a Rebel gun in 1996. From left to right, you can see Harold Wolfe,
Will Poe,
Lew Zerfas,
Randy,
David Poe,
Wes Tilson,
Doug Poe,
Dale Burridge
and Greg Centanne. .
From a collection owned
by Dale Burridge and also
featured on his home page.
Lew and Dale are now
with the USS Ethan Allen

Commander of the USS Ottawa Steve Sheets and his wife Sofia

Boatswain's Mate
Greg Centanne
and his wife Sharon
at the Brooksville Raid,
January 23, 2001

Dave and Doug Poe at Heritage Village,
May 15, 2004.

Sharon Centanne and Kathy Hall
at Heritage Village Event,
May 15, 2004 . Thank you to Kathy Hall for this picture.

Greg, Dan and Rick at the Brooksville Raid in January 2001

Greg Centanne, Boatswains MateThis photo taken by Fritz Kirsch was featured on the cover of the Camp Chase Gazette in August 1996.

NOTE: The USS Ottawa Re-enactors group can be found on facebook.com at The USS Ottawa Navy Civil War Re-enactors Unit

ANNUAL EVENT SPONSORED BY THE USS OTTAWA

Heritage Park Village - Third weekend May each year
. NOTE: Due to budget cuts, the Heritage Village event will not take place in 2010. Please contact Heritage Park Village in Largo, Florida for details.
Heritage Park Village, Largo, Florida
We always loved this event and hope it returns next year. You would see re-enactment of a typical battle between Union and Confederate forces at this spring encampment in mid-Pinellas county co-sponsored by the USS Ottawa. While you were there, you could visit the vintage restored homes and businesses that are part of the Heritage Village Museum. Plenty of food and sutlers were available in this shady historic park. Heritage Village is a Pinellas County Park.

EVENTS FOR Upcoming Re-enacting Season

Brooksville Raid
Sand Hill Boy Scout Camp
Spring Hill, Florida on Rt. 50 east of US19
January 2011

One of the largest encampments in Florida, this re-enactment rivals Olustee in size and number of participants.

  • Dozens of sutlers for all your re-enacting needs
  • A thousand men on the field.
  • Live artillery and cavalry participation.

    This event is a must see for Civil War enthusiasts in Florida.

  • Period Ball Saturday night
  • Period and modern camping available.
  • Close proximity to motels and resturants for the non-camper as well.

    If you can only do one event a year, make it to Brooksville! Sponsored by the Hernando County Sertoma Club and the Boy Scout Councils of the Florida west coast.

    NEW OFFICIAL WEBSITE: Brooksville Raid

    Blue-Gray Cotillion - September 2011 (TBA)
    A Grand Civil War Period Ball, held at:
    The Pinellas Park Civic Auditorium
    7690 59th St. N.,
    Pinellas Park, FL
    . (1860's Period Dress required)

    Music Provided by the 97th Pennsylvania Regimental String Band.

    Tickets available at the Civil Auditorium or by snail mail to:
    97th Pennsylvania Volunteers,
    P.O. Box 554,
    Pinellas Park, FL. 34664-0554

    At Civic Auditorium $15.00 Individual/$25.00 Per Couple

    For more Information Call:
    Charley Taft 727-841-6144 or Judy Brophy 272-576-6065
    This event sponsored by the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

    LINKS: