south of Callahan in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Battle of Thomas Creek

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2011

1. Battle of Thomas Creek Marker

Inscription. When the American War of Independence began, the new British colonies of East and West Florida did not seek separation from England. East Florida remained comparatively free from serious fighting throughout the course of the Revolutionary War. In the summer of 1777, however, Americans initiated an invasion aimed at capturing St. Augustine. The expedition was composed of Continental Army troops and Georgia militia forces under the command of Lt. Col. Samuel Elbert. Preparations for the defense of east Florida involved the East Florida Rangers, a force of mounted provincials, British Regulars, and Indian allies. On May 17, 1777, a portion of the invading American expedition was attacked by a detachment of British Regulars under Maj. J.M. Prevost assisted by Rangers under Col. Thomas Brown and Indians. The battle took place at a site on Thomas Creek south of its confluence with the Nassau River. After suffering heavy casualties, the Americans, already discouraged by lack of supplies and the heat, began their retreat from Florida. Only one more unsuccessful invasion of East Florida occurred during the remaining years of the

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American Revolution.

Erected 1975 by Florida Society, Children of the American Revolution in Cooperation with Department of State. (Marker Number F-236.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1941.

Location. 30° 30.408′ N, 81° 47.527′ W. Marker is in south of Callahan, Florida, in Nassau County. It is on U.S. 1, on the right when traveling south. Located near Thomas Creek, at the county line. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville FL 32219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 6 miles of

Battle of Thomas Creek Marker, looking south along US 1, at Thomas Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 15, 2011

2. Battle of Thomas Creek Marker, looking south along US 1, at Thomas Creek

this marker, measured as the crow flies: Callahan Train Depot (approx. 4.7 miles away); Historic Florida Railroad (approx. 4.7 miles away); Skirmish of American Revolution (approx. 4.8 miles away); Sky Soldiers (approx. 5.1 miles away); Freedom is Not Free (approx. 5.1 miles away); Leatherneck Legacy Monument (approx. 5.1 miles away); Korean War Memorial (approx. 5.1 miles away); Navy Seabees (approx. 5.1 miles away).

Regarding Battle of Thomas Creek. The battle site is now located in Jacksonville's Thomas Creek Preserve, and is part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The site itself is undeveloped.

Also see . . . Battle of Thomas Creek, Wikipedia entry. the Georgia legislature gave command of the operation to Colonel Elbert. In addition to the 300 Continentals from the 1st and 2nd Georgia Regiments, the expedition included 109 militia cavalry led by Colonel John Baker...40 captured (24 killed in captivity) (Submitted on March 28, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Battle of Thomas Creek Marker in a view to the north image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 15, 2011

3. Battle of Thomas Creek Marker in a view to the north

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,261 times since then and 200 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.