List of Florida Confederate Civil War units facts for kids

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Florida was one of the states that joined the Confederate States of America. Many Floridians volunteered to fight for the Confederacy. These brave soldiers were organized into different types of military groups, known as units. This article lists some of the important units from Florida that served in the Confederate Army. You can find a separate list of Florida units that fought for the Union if you are interested.

Florida's Role in the Civil War

Florida was a young state when the Civil War began. It had joined the United States in 1845. When the war started, Florida decided to leave the Union and join the Confederacy. This meant that many of its citizens fought for the Southern cause. Florida's main roles in the war included providing food supplies, especially beef, and protecting its long coastline.

What Were These Units?

During the Civil War, armies were made up of different kinds of fighting groups. Each group had a special job.

Infantry Units

Infantry soldiers were the most common type of fighter. They marched on foot and fought with rifles and bayonets. They were the backbone of any army.

Cavalry Units

Cavalry soldiers rode horses. They were used for scouting, quick attacks, and chasing down enemies. They were like the fast-moving forces of their time.

Artillery Units

Artillery units operated cannons. These powerful weapons could fire large shells or cannonballs over long distances. They were used to break enemy lines or defend strong positions.

Florida's Infantry Units

Florida raised many infantry regiments and battalions. A regiment usually had about 1,000 soldiers, while a battalion was smaller. These units fought in many major battles of the war, often far from Florida.

• 1st Florida Infantry Regiment
• 2nd Florida Infantry Regiment
• 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment
  • Jacksonville Light Infantry (Company A)
  • Saint Augustine Blues (Company B)
• 4th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 5th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 6th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 7th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 8th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 9th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 10th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 11th Florida Infantry Regiment
• 1st Florida (Reserves) Infantry
• 1st Florida (Holland`s) Infantry Battalion (1st Special Btln.)
• 2nd Florida Infantry Battalion
• Florida Brigade (Army of Northern Virginia)

Florida's Cavalry Units

Florida's cavalry units were important for protecting the state's vast areas. Some were known as "Cow Cavalry" because they helped gather cattle to feed the Confederate army.

• 1st Cavalry
• 2nd Cavalry
• 3rd Battalion, Cavalry
• 5th (Scott's) Battalion, Cavalry
• 1st (Munnerlyn's) Battalion, Special Cavalry (Cow Cavalry)
• Fernandez's Mounted Company
• Smith's Cavalry Company

Florida's Artillery Units

Florida's artillery units played a key role in defending important forts and cities. They also supported infantry and cavalry in battles.

• Abell's Light Artillery Company
• Dyke's Light Artillery Company
• Kilcrease Light Artillery
• Marion Light Artillery (Perry's)
• Milton Light Artillery Company (Dunham’s 1st and 2nd Companies, later (Dunham’s and Abell's)
• Leon Light Artillery (Gamble's Companies A and B, later (Dyke’s and Kilcrease)

Originally, Florida started the war with three companies of light artillery. Over time, two of these were split to create two more independent companies. This meant Florida ended the war with five unique artillery companies.

Other Florida Units

Besides the main infantry, cavalry, and artillery, Florida also had other specialized units. These groups performed various tasks important to the war effort.

• Florida Miscellaneous
• Harrison's (Captain) Company
• McBride's (Captain) Company
• Pickett's (Captain) Company
• Florida Military and Collegiate Institute Battalion

See also

• Lists of American Civil War Regiments by State
• Confederate Units by State