Near Olustee in Baker County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Yankees are Coming

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 30, 2012

1. "The Yankees are Coming" Marker

Inscription. Marching west, the Union forces left Barber's Plantation at 6:00 a.m., expecting to defeat the Confederates 32 miles away in Lake City. If successful, the Union then planned to cut off railroad communications between east and west Florida by destroying the railroad bridge over the Suwannee River. Little did they know they would never make it that far.
By early afternoon the Union Cavalry had driven the Confederate cavalry westward for several miles. As the Union neared the railroad station at Olustee, Confederate resistance grew stronger.
Here is where the bloody, four hour battle began.

"At 8 a'clock in the morning on the 20th instant we were informed that the Yankees were advancing. A part of the brigade was immediately ordered to some rifle pits hastily constructed near at hand, the remainder forming line of battle in open field. In this position we patiently awaited the coming of the foe for an hour, when our General, who is a fair man, concluded to meet halfway."
- Letter from H.W.B. Athens
Southern Banner, March 9, 1864

Erected by Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1989.

Location. 30°

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12.871′ N, 82° 23.35′ W. Marker is near Olustee, Florida, in Baker County. Marker can be reached from Battlefield Trail (17 Mile Camp Road), 0.3 miles north of U.S. 90, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5815 Battlefield Trail, Sanderson FL 32087, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Olustee Battlefield (within shouting distance of this marker); Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle of Olustee (about 300 feet away); Battle of Ocean Pond (or The Battle of Olustee) (about 300 feet away); Fight or Die (about 500 feet away); A Legacy Remembered (about 600 feet away); Cries and Cheers (about 800 feet away); Battle of Olustee Union Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olustee.

Also see . . . The Battle of Olustee or Battle of Ocean Pond , Wikipedia entry. ...Union casualties were 203 killed, 1,152 wounded, and 506 missing, a total of 1,861 men—almost 40%. Confederate losses were lower: 93 killed, 847 wounded, and 6 missing, a total of 946 casualties in all—but still about 20%. Additionally, Union forces allowed six artillery pieces and 39 horses to be captured as well... (Submitted on April 25, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Photographed By Mark Hilton

2. The Yankees are Coming Marker

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 30, 2012

3. "The Yankees are Coming " Marker

"The Yankees are Coming" Marker Picture included : Letter from H.W.B. Athens as mentioned above image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 30, 2012

4. "The Yankees are Coming" Marker Picture included : Letter from H.W.B. Athens as mentioned above

Unidentified Lieutenant
Savannah, GA

"The Yankees are Coming" Marker battle scene image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 30, 2012

5. "The Yankees are Coming" Marker battle scene

"The Yankees are Coming" Marker included battle map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 30, 2012

6. "The Yankees are Coming" Marker included battle map

The opposing forces make contact.

Olustee Battlefield State Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, March 30, 2012

7. Olustee Battlefield State Park

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,225 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 25, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on March 8, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 25, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7. submitted on April 26, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.