The 17th Connecticut Co.H reenacting unit portrays an actual Federal unit that was stationed in Florida during and shortly after the War Between the States. We are based out of Brooksville but include members from throughout Central Florida. The 17th's event schedule includes most events in Florida as well as reenactments throughout the southeast United States. We are a family-oriented unit and encourage the participation of the wives and children of the soldiers.


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1862 saw the original 17th Connecticut Infantry mustered in as part of the Army of the Potomac under Colonel William Nobel. The 17th would see their first action at Chancellorsville. Inexperienced and overwhelmed their first taste of battle would result in the loss of 120 men. They would fight again at Gettysburg under Major General Oliver Howard. Their part of the 3-day battle would begin at Oakhill as they clashed with Confederate forces north of town. Pushed back, they would regroup on Cemetery Hill where they would remain for the next two days as part of the strong Union line. In 1864 the 17th Connecticut was sent to Florida. Arriving in Jacksonville the soldiers would spend the next year fanning out over northern Florida. They saw light action in and around places such as St. Augustine, Volusia on the St. John's river, and Magnolia. As the South's struggle for independence ended, the men of the 17th Connecticut were used in helping re-establish parts of the railroad. By July the unit was returned to South Carolina and mustered out.
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We encourage you to learn more about the men of the 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry by offering the following suggestions:
The official published history of the 17th CVI written by Col. Nobel in the 1880's;

The original roster of the soldiers in Company H;

A detailed summary of the formation and movements of the 11th Corps during the war;



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