Our History
The Florida Battalion of Infantry was established in 1985 as part of the Department of the Gulf, Confederate States Army. From the beginning, the battalion has united infantry companies from across Florida with a shared purpose: to operate together in the field as a disciplined battalion and to present a credible, historically grounded portrayal of Civil War soldiers.
The battalion was founded through the partnership of Colonel Don Bowman and General James Jessee, whose shared vision laid the foundation for the organization. Together, they established the battalion’s structure, standards of drill, and commitment to authenticity that continue to guide the unit today. Colonel Bowman commanded the battalion from its founding until his death in 2015, while General Jessee remained a central figure in its early development. The reputation built during this period gave rise to the battalion’s enduring motto, “Nulli Secundus” — “Second to None.”
Following Bowman’s passing, command passed to Colonel James Permane, who led the battalion from 2015 to 2024 and continued its involvement in Civil War reenacting. Permane also served the hobby in broader leadership roles, including many years as a General at the Battle of Olustee, and is now largely retired from active reenacting.
“The Florida Battalion of Infantry exists to bring reenactors together under shared standards, capable leadership, and a commitment to authentic, well-run Civil War living history.”
In 2024, command passed to Colonel Marc Rominger, who renewed the battalion’s focus on organization, staff development, and clear standards. Rominger currently serves as Commander of the District of Tallahassee and continues to preside over the annual Battle of Natural Bridge reenactment.
The Florida Battalion is presently commanded by Colonel Jay Welch, who assumed command in 2025. Under Welch’s leadership, the battalion is strengthening its standards, expanding participation in new events, and increasing visibility and recruiting efforts for both the battalion and Civil War reenacting as a whole.
Today, the Florida Battalion of Infantry remains an active part of the Department of the Gulf, serving alongside the Georgia Volunteer Battalion (GVB) at events throughout the Southeast and beyond. The battalion is also the host unit for the annual Battle of Olustee Reenactment, one of Florida’s most significant Civil War living history events.
While a Confederate organization, the Florida Battalion regularly portrays Union forces, doing so at nearly half of the events it attends. When portraying Confederate troops, the battalion seeks to represent Florida soldiers whenever historically appropriate, while remaining flexible enough to accurately support a wide range of event scenarios.
The battalion’s purpose is to bring individual companies together to drill, maneuver, and operate as a coordinated command on the field, while maintaining order, discipline, and authenticity in camp. Members of the Florida Battalion value clear standards, capable leadership, and cooperation across companies. Whether portraying Confederate or Union forces, the battalion offers reenactors the opportunity to participate in well-run events, grow their skills, and contribute to a unit dedicated to preserving and presenting Civil War history responsibly.
The Colonels of the Florida Battalion
1985 - 2015
Don Bowman
Co-founded the Florida Battalion of Infantry alongside General James Jessee and led the battalion for three decades, establishing its structure, standards, and reputation within the Department of the Gulf.
2015-2024
James Permane
Led the battalion following Bowman’s passing and continued its participation in Civil War reenacting. Also served the hobby in broader leadership roles, including many years as a General at the Battle of Olustee.
2024-2025
Marc Rominger
Focused on reestablishing organization, staff structure, and clear standards. Currently serves as Commander of the District of Tallahassee and presides over the annual Battle of Natural Bridge reenactment.
1985 - 2015
Jay Welch
Continuing the battalion’s tradition while strengthening standards, expanding event participation, and increasing recruiting and public visibility.
About our Logo
Commissioned in the fall of 2025 by Colonel Welch and created by members of the Battalion, our new logo represents the history and legacy of the Florida Battalion of Infantry.
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The six pointed star in the middle represents Florida, our namesake, where we were formed, and for many of us, our home.
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The four stars on each side represent the four men who have commanded the Battalion as a Colonel throughout our 40 year history (see above).
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The scroll bears our motto, Nulli Secundus, meaning Second to None.
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The cadet gray background represents the official uniform of the Battalion.
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The gold represents the standard we set for all reenactors.
