Whether you call it “The War of Northern Aggression,”  “The Troubles,” The War of Rebellion” or “The Civil War,”  those wrenching personal times came home to the shores of the Crooked River at Carrabelle  in May, 1862. 

When a blockade boat – the U.S.S Sagamore -  sent a crew of twenty-one sailors  ashore to restock provisions and drinking water, shots were fired from the Carrs Hill shoreline at the mouth of the river by the Beauregard Rangers of the Confederate Army under the command of Captain Hale T. Blocker.  The blockaders were turned away by the ambush and, according to the Sagamore’s own log, seventeen of the northern forces were killed or wounded in the short but fierce battle.

Captain Blocker later became one of the founders of the City of Carrabelle.

The site of the “Skirmish at Carrs Hill” (also known as Coombs Hill) will be the focus of a new historical stage venue and performances in the 21st Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival on April 23 and 24 on Marine Street in Carrabelle.   Historic adventures, storytelling, songs and memories will provide entertainment and education for the public attending the free festival.

In addition to the stage tent, special-interest walking tours of the area will be provided by historical guide Beth LaCivita. Her work on the Carrabelle Historic Preservation Study and Plan has helped to guide the restoration and preservation of Carrabelle’s history and sites. Tours will leave the Carrabelle History Museum on Avenue B (rechristened “Museum Row” for the Festival) at 11am, 1 and 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

A riverfront boat tour, captained by Carrabelle’s own Chester Reese, will also feature historic and commercial facts about Carrabelle. Although there is no charge.

 

The Schedule:

 

Saturday

10:30 – noon    History Tent at Carr’s Hill Stage

Staring Ken Horne & Howard Pardue

Historic Adventures of the Civil War Staring Ken Horne & Howard Pardue - Storytelling, Banjo Music, Songs and Memories

1:00 – 2:00      History Tent at Carr’s Hill Stage

Historic Adventures of the Steamship Era - Storytelling, Banjo Music, Songs and Memories

Sunday

10:00 – noon    History Tent at Carr’s Hill Stage

 Staring Frank Lindamood and Guests

            Historic Adventures, Storytelling, Songs and Memories

1:00 – 4:00      History Tent at Carr’s Hill Stage

 Staring Frank Lindamood and Guests

            Historic Adventures, Storytelling, Songs and Memories