The Ocklawaha River Raid was a brief but memorable skirmish on March 7, 1865 — the only Civil War battle ever fought in Marion County. Around 30 Union soldiers launched a surprise attack on the Marshall Plantation, sparking a clash with local Confederate home guard members and cavalry. Today, that moment in local history is brought back to life each year through a lively Civil War re-enactment in Ocala.
Historical Event Key Details:
Date: March 7, 1865, Location: Marshall Plantation, east of Ocala near the Ocklawaha River, Combatants included Union: About 30 soldiers and scouts from Jacksonville, Confederate: Ocala Home Guard and Captain J.J. Dickison’s Florida Cavalry
Union troops raided the plantation, burning buildings and taking property, including enslaved people, horses, and wagons. Confederate forces quickly pursued them. The Union soldiers retreated, burning the bridge behind them, but the Confederates chased them all the way back toward St. Augustine and ultimately recovered everything taken.
A yearly Civil War re-enactment and living-history weekend that recreates the raid and draws crowds of history buffs, families, and anyone who enjoys a good time outdoors. This year’s Ocklawaha River Raid Re-enactment took place Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, 2025. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with the battle re-enacted at 2 p.m. daily.
The event features infantry, artillery, and cavalry demonstrations, educational displays, hands-on demonstrations, and period music to set the scene.
PICTURED TOP RIGHT: The ladies of the Petticoat Brigade of the Pawnee Guard, Union side, head to tea at the Ocklawaha River Raid Civil War Re-enactment at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala. PICTURED TOP LEFT: Ron Doyka, with the Hardee Brigade, plays the bugle, sounding a Signal of Colors on an original Civil War bugle. The instrument is 165 years old. The bugler in the Hardee Brigade served as the primary communicator for brigade-level commands. BOTTOM LEFT: Chaplain John Butler attended the Ocklawaha River Raid Civil War Re-enactment. Chaplain Butler serves with the Hardee Brigade on the Confederate side. He is a chaplain both at the re-enactment and in real life. BOTTOM RIGHT: Sam Schultz and Darrin Kerwin of Milton Light Artillery Co. A displayed this replica identical to the cannons used in the original 1865 battle.
