October 4, 1862: Attack on Salt Works at Depot Key, Fla.

OCTOBER 4TH, 1862:  The USS  Somerset, Lt-Cmdr. English, attacked Confederate salt works at Depot Key, Florida.  The landing party from the Somerset was augmented by a strong force from the USS Tahoma, Cmdr. John C. Howell, and the salt works were destroyed.

Salt at this time was among the most critical "strategic materials" in the Confederacy.

This action at Depot Key was one of the innumerable such landing and raiding operations all along the far-flung Confederate coastline which, often lacking dramatic appeal, nonetheless exacted ceaseless activity and untiring effort, and were instrumental in bringing the Confederacy to defeat.

--Old B-R'er