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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The original 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry was raised almost entirely from Fairfield county. They were mustered into service August 28, 1862 and left for the front by rail on September 3rd. Assigned to the 11th Corps, 1st Division they met their first baptism by fire at Chancellorsville, VA where they formed part of the right flank bearing the brunt of Stonewall Jackson's attack. While other units around them were routed, the 17th held their ground like veterans, contesting every inch of ground and were the last regiment forced to fall back.
At Gettysburg, under General Barlow, they held a small knoll called Oakhill (now know as Barlow's Knoll) receiving the full force of General Early's attack. They fiercely held their ground until they were forced to withdraw when the regiments on either side broke and ran. The 17th fell back to Cemetery Ridge where where they fought on the second and third day of the battle.
After Gettysburg they served in General Ames brigade in the trenches near Forts Wagner and Sumter. From there the 17th Connecticut was transfered first to Hilton Head, SC and then on to Florida to relieve the 10th Connecticut at Fort Marion (St. Augustine) and in Jacksonville. While in Florida they participated in numerous raids and skirmishes and it was there that Col. Noble, the regimental commander was captured.
After Lee's surrender the men of the 17th were mustered out in July 1865 at Hilton Head, SC and returned to Connecticut in August of the same year.
Listed among the soldiers of the 17th Connecticut Regiment, was Pvt. Elias Howe, Jr. The inventor of the sewing machine.
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