Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Sinking of the Maple Leaf
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012
1. Sinking of the Maple Leaf Marker
Approximately 15 miles up river from this point, the Union transport Maple Leaf was destroyed by a Confederate mine during the early morning hours of April 1, 1864. The Maple Leaf sank to the bottom of the St. Johns River after hitting one of twelve Confederate mines along Mandarin Point. At the time of the explosion, the steamboat was transporting 68 passengers and crewmembers from Palatka to Jacksonville. Passengers included 42 Union sympathizers seeking protection of federal troops in Jacksonville. Four crewmembers died in the explosion. After sinking, only the top of the wheelhouse and smokestack were visible. These parts were later removed to keep the channel clear for navigation. The hull with its valuable cargo had settled deep within the muddy river bottom. On the Maple Leaf were 400 pounds of cargo, primarily the equipment of three Union regiments and two brigade headquarters. In 1981 the Maple Leaf was located by St. Johns Archaeological Expeditions, Inc. Hundreds of artifacts have been recovered from the site, which is now a National Landmark.Erected 2002 by
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012
2. Sinking of the Maple Leaf Marker, South end of South Hogan Street
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 1, 1864.
Location. 30° 19.461′ N, 81° 39.683′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. Marker is on Southern Teminus of S Hogan Street, in the median. Located on North Riverside of the St. John's River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville FL 32202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Andrew Jackson (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic King's Road British East Florida (approx. 0.3 miles away); Greenleaf / Jacobs Clock (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Florida Medical Assn (approx. 0.3 miles away); Greenleaf & Crosby Bldg. (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Carling Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Florida Pharmacy Association (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1960 Civil Rights Demonstration (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.
Regarding Sinking of the Maple Leaf. National Register of Historic Places:
National Historic Landmark
Maple Leaf (Shipwreck Site) (added 1994 - - #94001650)
Also known as
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012
3. Maple Leaf Historical Landmark Plaque #94001650
has been designated a
National
Historic Landmark
This Site Possesses National Significance
in Commemorating the History of the
United States of America
1994
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
Address Restricted , Mandarin
♦ Historic Significance: Information Potential, Event
♦ Area of Significance: Transportation, Maritime History, Military, Historic - Non-Aboriginal
♦ Cultural Affiliation: US Army
♦ Period of Significance: 1850-1874
♦ Owner: Federal
♦ Historic Function: Transportation
♦ Historic Sub-function: Water-Related
♦ Current Function: Landscape, Transportation
♦ Current Sub-function: Underwater, Water-Related
Also see . . . The Maple Leaf Adventure - MilitaryHistoryOnline.com. A Florida Civil War Shipwreck Reveals Civilian and Soldier Life in the Mid-19th Century by Thomas M. Fleming (Submitted on August 12, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Additional keywords. Sinking of the Maple Leaf
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012
4. Sinking of the Maple Leaf Marker and National Historic Landmark Plaque
The Maple Leaf Adventure - MilitaryHistoryOnline.com
5. The Maple Leaf
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,155 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 12, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
