It's a history lesson up close and personal. A civil war reenactment showed spectators what it was like in Columbia County in the 1800s during the Battle of Olustee.

It started Thursday, people young and old setting up union and confederate camps preparing for the 34th annual reeanactment of the Battle of Olustee.

The guns banged and the cannons boomed. 146 years ago, the Battle of Olustee was stitched into American history.

"This was the largest battle in the state of Florida during the war," Chuck Munson said.

Thunders and cracks echoed over hallow ground, as thousands brought the year 1864 back to life.

"The regiment has been issued mail call, and the gentlemen are reading their letters from home, finding out what's going on with their families and loved ones...back at home," Munson said.

After the battle, the soldiers marched back to their camps, which were kept as authentic as possible.

"It's a pretty simple job if you're just holding the flag," Cannon Randle said.

10-year-old Randle held the confederate flag during the reenactment.

"You get to really immerse yourself in everything you do," Randle said. "It's like you're really there back in 1860 something."

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