Camp Mary Davis facts for kids
Camp Mary Davis was a military camp used by the Confederate army during the American Civil War. It was a place where soldiers, especially cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback), stayed and trained. The camp was set up in 1861 near Tallahassee, in Leon County, Florida. Today, people believe the old camp site might be where a cemetery is located at Tharpe and Old Bainbridge roads.
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Camp Mary Davis: A Civil War Training Spot
Camp Mary Davis was an important place for the Confederate army in Florida. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), many soldiers needed places to gather, train, and prepare for battles. Military camps like Camp Mary Davis served this purpose. It was established in 1861, soon after the war began, to help the Confederacy's efforts.
Who Was at Camp Mary Davis?
Many soldiers passed through Camp Mary Davis. These were men who joined the Confederate army, often as part of the 1st Florida Cavalry. Cavalry units were very important during the Civil War. They were used for scouting, quick attacks, and carrying messages.
Notable People at the Camp
Several individuals are known to have been at Camp Mary Davis:
- Captain William M. Footman was a leader in the 1st Florida Cavalry. He would have been in charge of many soldiers at the camp.
- James W. Faulkner joined the army on November 25, 1861. He was born in Jasper County, Georgia.
- Private Thomas Nathaniel Bell enlisted on April 25, 1862, joining Company E of the 1st Florida Cavalry.
- Thomas J. Shine from Tallahassee re-enlisted at the camp on November 25, 1861. He was part of Company F, 1st Florida Cavalry. Thomas Shine later married Martha Virginia Eppes. Her grandfather was Thomas Jefferson, a former President of the United States. Her father, Francis Eppes, was the first mayor of Tallahassee.
- John William Crichton was a young soldier in Company K, 1st Florida Cavalry. He was only 15 years old when he joined the army at Camp Mary Davis. His father, Dr. John Pritchard Crichton, had been the mayor of Tampa.
The Camp's Location Today
While Camp Mary Davis no longer exists as a military camp, its history is remembered. The exact spot is believed to be where a cemetery is now located at Tharpe and Old Bainbridge roads. This helps us remember the history of the Civil War in Florida and the soldiers who were part of it.
