Ballast Point (Tampa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ballast Point
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Ballast Point Neighborhood Overlooking Hillsborough Bay
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 Ballast Point
Location in Florida
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Hillsborough |
| Incorporated (City) | 1953 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.70000 sq mi (4.40298 km2) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 4,940 |
| • Density | 2,905.9/sq mi (1,122.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
33611
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| Area code(s) | 813 |
Ballast Point is a friendly neighborhood in Tampa, Florida. It's part of Hillsborough County. This area sits right next to Hillsborough Bay, which is a part of the bigger Tampa Bay.
The neighborhood uses the ZIP code 33611. Its borders are Gandy Boulevard to the north and MacDill Air Force Base to the south. Hillsborough Bay is to the east, and S. MacDill Avenue is to the west. Ballast Point is known for its homes and businesses. It also features beautiful, old oak trees covered in Spanish moss.
The people living here are part of the Ballast Point Neighborhood Association.
Contents
History of Ballast Point
Ballast Point has an interesting history, especially from the American Civil War.
The Battle of Ballast Point
A battle happened here on October 18, 1863. This was during the American Civil War, just after the Battle of Fort Brooke. A group of soldiers from the Union army landed at Ballast Point. They came ashore near where Gandy Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard are today.
Two Union ships, the USS Tahoma and the USS Adela, fired cannons at Tampa and Fort Brooke. This was a distraction. While this was happening, the Union soldiers marched about 14 miles. They went to the Hillsborough River. There, they surprised two ships and burned them. These ships were the Scottish Chief (a steamship) and the Kate Dale (a sloop). These ships were owned by James McKay, who would later become the mayor of Tampa.
James McKay barely escaped capture. He quickly went to Tampa to warn everyone about the Union soldiers.
The Chase and Retreat
After the ships were burned, the Confederate soldiers found out where the Union group was. They started chasing them. A group of Confederate soldiers surprised the Union forces. There was a short fight, and some soldiers were hurt. The Union troops then started heading back to the sea.
A Confederate cavalry unit, the Oklawaha Rangers, caught up with the Union soldiers. A full battle began. The Union soldiers were under fire as they got into their small boats to leave. The Confederate defenders also destroyed another ship, the A.B. Noyes. They did this to stop the Union from capturing it.
Geography and Climate
Ballast Point covers an area of about 1.7 square miles. This information comes from the Hillsborough Community Atlas.
Tampa Bay Area Climate
The climate here is typical of the Tampa Bay area. It usually has warm temperatures and sunny days.
Population of Ballast Point
In 2010, the neighborhood had a total population of 4,940 people. This number includes areas like MacDill Air Force Base.
