Capt. James McKay, I (1808

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Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Capt. James McKay, I (1808 - 1876)

By Mike Stroud, 2010

1. Capt. James McKay, I (1808~1876) Marker

Inscription. On this site, after the devasting hurricane of 1848, McKay, a native of Scotland, built his first permanent home of finished lumber from Mobile, Ala. Here, with his wife Matilda,they raised their children.

McKay was a dominant factor in the upbuilding of Tampa in pioneer times. His shipping lines established the first commercial connection with the outside world. In 1848, he built a courthouse; in 1858, opened the first cattle trade with Cuba, and in 1859, was elected Mayor.
During the Civil War, with his sidewheeler, the Scottish Chief, he became one of Florida's most active blockade-runners; also formed the "Cowboy Cavalry" to protect cattle drives headed for the war-front.

Erected by Tampa Historical Society.

Location. 27° 56.813′ N, 82° 27.449′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is on Jackson Street (U.S. 41) near North Franklin Street, on the right. Click for map. Located at the entrance to William Poe Plaza, end of North Franklin Street. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William F. Poe Plaza (a few steps from this marker); Fort Brooke Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. Franks S. Adamo, M.D. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rough Riders Passed By Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Tampa POW/MIA (within shouting distance of this marker); Great 1909 Auto Race (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Tampa's First Paved Sidewalk (about 300 feet away); The Salvation Army (about 300 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Tampa.

By Mike Stroud, January 9, 2010

2. Capt. James McKay, I (1808~1876) Marker

Also see . . .
1. Remains of Civil War blockade runner found on bottom of Hillsborough River. By Robbyn Mitchell, St. Petersburg Times Staff Writer In Print: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 (Submitted on February 8, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Divers Survey Wreckage of Civil War-era boat in Tampa. Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Blockade Runner Found in Tampa, By KEITH MORELLI The Tampa Tribune (Submitted on February 8, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)