Southwest Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Life Under Siege
Jacksonville on the Edge of the Civil War
— Camp Milton Historic Preserve —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, November 11, 2019
1. Life Under Siege Marker
Between 1861 and 1864, a long and bitter civil war divided our nation. Many of the most publicized events of this tragic conflict occurred in Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. Because of this, one might assume that war activities in Jacksonville were less significant. In reality Jacksonville was invaded and abandoned by Union forces four times during the Civil War, more than any other Southern city.
The Union first invaded Jacksonville in March of 1862. Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered the City abandoned by Southern troops. Upon departure, the Confederate soldiers burned eight sawmills and millions of board feet of lumber. Departing, the troops also destroyed a foundry, a boat, and scuttled the prized schooner “America,” which won the America’s Cup in 1851. Many local businessman who were Union sympathizers remained in the city.
Federal troops departed downtown Jacksonville shortly after the first invasion. They returned for the second invasion on October 10, 1862. This time the city was evacuated without fire and destruction. On March 10, 1863, the Union Army returned for the third invasion and introduced the use of African American troops for the first time in Florida. The Union soon departed, but federal
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By July, 1864, the Union guarded downtown Jacksonville on three sides. Fortifications included lunettes, rifle pits, redoubts and eight batteries , complete with artillery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.
Location. 30° 20.068′ N, 81° 52.16′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. It is in Southwest Jacksonville. Marker can be reached from Halsema Road North, 0.4 miles north of Old Plank Road, on the right when traveling north. Located within the Camp Milton Historic Preserve. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1225 Halsema Rd N, Jacksonville FL 32220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harriet B. Stowe Live Oak (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Third Union Invasion (about 500 feet away); The Tension Of War (about 700 feet away); Jefferson Davis Live Oak (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Harvey Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Fisher Live Oak
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, November 11, 2019
2. Life Under Siege Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, November 11, 2019
3. Photo Insert Left - Union encampment in Jacksonville
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, November 11, 2019
4. Center Photo - Union Soldiers In Jacksonville
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, November 11, 2019
5. Civil War Fortifications
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, November 11, 2019
6. Camp Milton Historic Preserve Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 16, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
