The Union's East Gulf Blockading Squadron (which stretched between Cape Canaveral on the east coast of Florida to St. Andrews Bay on the panhandle) began raiding Confederate salt works in November 1862. You'd kind of think that East Gulf would refer to Key West to St, Andrews.
On March 20, 1863, while looking for a spring for drinking water, an eleven-man group came ashore near what is now St. Andrews Episcopal Church and were surprised by 23 Confederates who demanded their surrender.
The sailors refused and a fight ensued. Several sailors were killed but no Confederate casualties.
A historical marker is now at the site.
Later, Old Towne St. Andrews was destroyed in retaliation. Thirty-two homes and businesses were burned from Union incendiary shells and there was no mention of a St. Andrews in any public records after the event.
The End of a Town. --Old B-Runner
Great Gulf Coast State College student short film on the St. Andrews Bay Skirmish Florida http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5zkWU5fdF0
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up. Excellent video about a little-known aspect of the war and lesser-known engagement.
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