Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Attack on Fort Myers
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 6, 2014
1. The Attack on Fort Myers Marker
Inscription.
The Attack on Fort Myers. . In December 1863, the Army post of Fort Myers, inactive since 1858, was reoccupied. The fort served as a supply depot for the Federal blockade squadron. Troops from the fort often raided Confederate supply depots in the state's interior, since Florida beef fed the Confederate army. To discourage these raids, Confederate Major William Footman led 275 men of Florida's "Cow Cavalry" from Fort Thompson (LaBelle) to the very gates of Fort Myers. Shortly after noon of February 20, 1865, Major Footman approached the fort under a flag of truce and gave the Federals 20 minutes to surrender. After Captain James Doyle, commander of the garrison which consisted of the Union 2nd Florida Cavalry, the 110th New York Infantry, and the 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry, refused, the Confederates bombarded the fort with their field piece. They were answered by Fort Myers' three cannons. The cannonade and musketry continued until after nightfall, when Footman and his Confederates withdrew under cover of darkness. Casualties on both sides were light.
In December 1863, the Army post of Fort Myers, inactive since 1858, was reoccupied. The fort served as a supply depot for the Federal blockade squadron. Troops from the fort often raided Confederate supply depots in the state's interior, since Florida beef fed the Confederate army. To discourage these raids, Confederate Major William Footman led 275 men of Florida's "Cow Cavalry" from Fort Thompson (LaBelle) to the very gates of Fort Myers. Shortly after noon of February 20, 1865, Major Footman approached the fort under a flag of truce and gave the Federals 20 minutes to surrender. After Captain James Doyle, commander of the garrison which consisted of the Union 2nd Florida Cavalry, the 110th New York Infantry, and the 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry, refused, the Confederates bombarded the fort with their field piece. They were answered by Fort Myers' three cannons. The cannonade and musketry continued until after nightfall, when Footman and his Confederates withdrew under cover of darkness. Casualties on both sides were light.
Erected 1982 by Col. Abraham C. Myers Camp #1322 Sons of Confederate Veterans in cooperation
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with Department of State. (Marker Number F-297.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is February 20, 1865.
Location. 26° 38.735′ N, 81° 52.06′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It is at the intersection of First Street and Vivas Court, on the right when traveling east on First Street. Marker is on the grounds of the Fort Myers Regional Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2450 First Street, Fort Myers FL 33901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Myers
Another marker is no longer nearby. Robert E. Lee (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Attack on Fort Myers. (Submitted on October 28, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,274 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
