Battle of Santa Rosa Island facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Santa Rosa Island
Part of the American Civil War
Fort Pickens, the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa Island
Date October 9, 1861 (1861-10-09) Location Santa Rosa Island (Florida) Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederacy
Commanders and leaders
Harvey Brown	Richard H. Anderson
Strength
600	1,200
Casualties and losses
67 total 14 killed 29 wounded 24 captured or missing	87 total 30-40 killed

The harbor of Pensacola, Florida in 1861.

Map of Santa Rosa Island Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.

The Battle of Santa Rosa Island happened on October 9, 1861. It was a fight during the American Civil War. Confederate soldiers tried to capture Fort Pickens, a fort held by the Union army on Santa Rosa Island, Florida. But they didn't succeed.

What Led to the Battle?

Santa Rosa Island is a long island in Florida, near the border with Alabama. At its western end is Fort Pickens. In the fall of 1861, Union soldiers were stationed there.

Colonel Harvey Brown was in charge of the Union forces. Some soldiers from the 6th New York Volunteer Infantry were camped outside the fort. They were a short distance to the east.

The Battle Begins

After midnight on October 9, Confederate General Richard Anderson led about 1,200 men. They crossed from the mainland to Santa Rosa Island using two small boats. Their goal was to surprise the Union camps and capture Fort Pickens.

The Confederates landed about four miles east of Fort Pickens. General Anderson split his troops into three groups. They marched about three miles.

Surprise Attack

The Confederates then surprised the 6th New York Volunteer Regiment in their camp. The New York soldiers were caught off guard and had to retreat.

After this, General Anderson decided to wait. He hoped the Union soldiers inside Fort Pickens would come out and attack them.

Union Fights Back

Colonel Harvey Brown, the Union commander, received more soldiers. He then led his troops out of the fort to fight the Confederates.

The Confederates decided to leave. They got back into their boats and returned to the mainland.

Who Won and What Happened Next?

The Union army won the battle. They stopped the Confederates from taking Fort Pickens.

Battle Losses

The Union forces had 14 soldiers killed. Another 29 were wounded, and 24 were captured or went missing. In total, 67 Union soldiers were casualties.

The Confederates reported about 30 to 40 killed or wounded. However, a Confederate newspaper found later suggested their total losses were much higher, around 175.

Major Israel Vogdes of the Union army was captured during the fight. General Anderson, the Confederate leader, was badly wounded. The camp of the 6th New York Regiment was partly destroyed.

Today, Fort Pickens and the battle area are protected. They are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Who Fought in the Battle?

Union Forces

• Colonel Harvey Brown was the main commander.
• 6th New York Volunteer Infantry led by Colonel William Wilson.
• Other groups included soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Artillery, and the 3rd Infantry.

Confederate Forces

• Brigadier General Richard Heron Anderson led the Confederate troops.
• His forces included soldiers from Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia.
• They also had a small artillery unit and a naval ship called CSS Neaffie.