Today the Battle of Olustee or Battle of Ocean Pond is fought in Baker County, Florida. It is the largest battle fought in Florida during the war. The battle is part of a Union offensive in Florida. Major General Quincy A. Gillmore, commander of the Union’s Department of the South headquartered at Hilton Head, South…
The Union Army is now in control of Jacksonville, Florida and has orders to push inland. Among the regiments is the African American 54th Massachusetts Regiment, who led the way in capturing Jacksonville on February 7. The presence of black soldiers is a fearful sight for Southern whites of the city and the surrounding countryside.…
The coastal town of Fernandina, Florida has been occupied by Union forces since March 1862. The capture of the town had proven surprisingly easy. Despite the area’s heavy fortifications, the Confederates had abandoned the city without a fight. Fort Clinch, guarding the entrance to Fernandina but deserted upon the approach of Union naval forces, was…