Viva Florida 500-African American Troops at Olustee. The African Americans were not the only heroic soldiers in the battle, but their role is a very important example of freed men battling to free their brethren from slavery. There were nearly 2,000 casualties including 296 killed between the two sides. In February we celebrate the many contributions of African Americans in our history and the many soldiers, white and black, who fought that day at Olustee, especially those who suffered or died.
