Florida in the Civil War Background Florida became

Florida in the Civil War

Background • • Florida became a state in 1845 Population was 140, 000. 63, 000/140, 000 were African Americans, most were slaves Some were freed by thier owners while others had bought their freedom.

Florida joins the Confederacy • On January 10, 1861 • Florida is the 7 th state to secede • Union response: send ships to blockade or occupy Florida ports of • St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Key West and Pensacola • Union could not guard Florida’s entire coastline

How did Florida contribute? • Floridians sent beef, pork, fish, fruit and salt • Salt was an important resource to the army • Because refrigeration had not been introduced yet, it kept the meat from spoiling • Food needed to prevent malnutrition and scurvy!

Salt Production • The process involved boiling kettles of seawater and refining the salt though a process of repeated dipping, pouring and drying. • Because many of Florida’s bays were secluded, salt production was ideal in Florida.

Florida’s Cow Calvary

Cow Calvary and its purpose • Cow Calvary were small militia groups formed to protect the inner part of Florida. • Union soldiers would conduct raids to capture cattle and destroy salt production. • The Cow Calvary protected the cattle, the salt works, and the small towns of Florida

Battles in Florida • Skirmishes between the Union and the Confederates occur in various parts of Florida (Pensacola/ Ft. Pickens) • There are 2 major battles that occur in Florida, the Battle of Olustee and the Battle of Natural Bridge

The Battle of Olustee • Union forces marched in from the coastline making its way into Lake City. • Confederates set up 5, 200 soldiers to block their advance, forcing the Union to retreat (Confederate victory) • Bloodiest battle in FL and one of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War (3, 000 out of 11, 000 died)

The Battle of the Natural Bridge • March 4, 1865 Union forces landed at St. Marks River • Confederate forces burned the bridge in their path so Union soldiers could not advance • Confederates were able to protect the natural crossing by pushing the Union soldiers back • Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi R. that was not captured by Union forces