Marianna in Jackson County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of the Battle of Marianna

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

1. Site of the Battle of Marianna Marker

Inscription. Here at high noon on September 27, 1864, a Federal raiding force of 900 men under Brigadier-General Alexander Asboth fought a Confederate home guard of 95 old men and boys under Captain Jesse J. Norwood. Entering Marianna from the west, the main body of Federals encountered unexpected resistance at Ely’s Corner, fell back, rallied, and charged, driving the home guard back to this churchyard. Flanked by other Federals moving in from north of the church, the defenders engaged the invaders in fierce combat. By Federal order St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was destroyed by fire, and the bodies of five Confederates were burned almost beyond recognition. The West Florida News reported total Confederate losses of 9 killed, 10 wounded, 54 captured, and estimated Federal losses of 15 killed, 40 wounded.

Erected 1961 by William Henry Milton Chapter No. 1099 United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the United Daughters of the Confederacy series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1812.

Location. 30° 46.531′ N, 85° 13.913′ W. Marker is in Marianna, Florida, in Jackson

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County. Marker is at the intersection of Lafayette Street (U.S. 90) and Wynn Street, on the right when traveling west on Lafayette Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4362 Lafayette St, Marianna FL 32446, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Luke's Churchyard (within shouting distance of this marker); The Holden House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Woman's Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ely-Criglar House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cavalry Fight in Downtown Marianna (approx. 0.2 miles away); The West End Community (approx. ¼ mile away); Fighting at Ely Corner (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marianna.

Regarding Site of the Battle of Marianna. The marker describes a fierce Civil War battle fought here in the St. Luke's Episcopal churchyard at “high noon” on September 27, 1864. This battle is a well-documented and significant Civil War event. As these pictures were being taken, ladies from the local contingent of the “United Daughters of the Confederacy” were placing flags and dressing the place up in preparation for Memorial Day.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church (in the background) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

2. St. Luke's Episcopal Church (in the background)

St. Luke's Episcopal Churchyard was the site of the Battle of Marianna.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church - founded 1838 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

3. St. Luke's Episcopal Church - founded 1838

St. Luke's Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

4. St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

5. St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Grave of Jesse Robinson (1789-1854), a War of 1812 veteran image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

6. Grave of Jesse Robinson (1789-1854), a War of 1812 veteran

Another grave can also be seen in the background in this partial view of the church's cemetery.

St. Luke's Churchyard Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

7. St. Luke's Churchyard Cemetery

St. Luke's Episcopal Churchyard Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 24, 2013

8. St. Luke's Episcopal Churchyard Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2013, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,995 times since then and 125 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 24, 2013, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.