Camp Leon facts for kids
Camp Leon was a military camp used by the Confederate army during the American Civil War. It was located in Florida, south of Tallahassee, in Leon County. This camp was the most well-known of the three military camps in that area.
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What Was Camp Leon?
Camp Leon served as the first meeting place for a special army unit called the Kilcrease Light Artillery. This unit was also known as Villepigue's Light Battery. Soldiers gathered here starting in September 1863.
The Kilcrease Light Artillery
The Kilcrease Light Artillery was a Florida military company. It was part of the Confederate Army's forces in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The unit was named after its captain, Fred L. Villepigue. He was an important person in Florida, serving as the Florida Secretary of State from 1853 to 1863.
Soldiers at Camp Leon
Many soldiers from different groups stayed at Camp Leon. These groups were part of larger infantry units. Some of the companies that gathered here included:
- Company D, 5th Florida Infantry
- Company I, 5th Florida Infantry
- Company K, 5th Florida Infantry
- Company A, 8th Florida Infantry
- Company E, 10th Florida Infantry
The Unit's Role in the War
In March 1864, the Kilcrease Light Artillery returned to Florida. Their job was to help defend the Confederate positions at Camp Milton, which was west of Jacksonville, Florida.
Key Battles and Actions
The unit was involved in several important events:
- In August 1864, they had a small fight with Union forces at a place called Brandy Branch.
- In March 1865, they played a part in the Battle of Natural Bridge. Here, they helped stop a Union attack aimed at Tallahassee.
The Kilcrease Light Artillery stayed in north Florida until the end of the war. In May 1865, the war ended, and the unit was officially broken up. Its soldiers were allowed to go home.
