Mosquito Roarers facts for kids
The Mosquito Roarers were a special group of local fighters, like a neighborhood watch or a local army, in Florida during the 1830s. They were made up of people who lived and worked near the sugar plantations along the coast of what was then called Mosquito County. This area stretched from where Hillsborough County is today all the way to Volusia County.
They were called into action in the fall of 1835 and became Company B of the Florida militia. A militia is a group of citizens who can be called upon to serve as soldiers, usually to protect their local area. The Mosquito Roarers were involved in important battles against the Seminole people during a time of conflict.
History of the Mosquito Roarers
The leader of the Mosquito Roarers was Major Benjamin Putnam. Other important leaders included Lieutenant Douglas Dummett, whose family owned a plantation near the Halifax River, and Colonel Joseph Sanchez. The town of Ormond Beach, Florida is named after James Ormond II, Douglas Dummett's family.
In December 1835, the Mosquito Roarers, along with other groups, arrived at a military outpost. This outpost was located on the Tomoka River and was called Rosetta. It was named after the Rosetta Plantation. Later that month, Seminole warriors began attacking plantations. These attacks happened across areas like New Smyrna and the rest of Mosquito County.
Key Battles and Events
On New Year's Eve of 1835, the Mosquito Roarers took part in a major battle. This was the Battle of Ouithlacoochie, which happened along the Withlacoochee River. This battle, in what is now Citrus County, was one of the first big fights of the Second Seminole War. The Mosquito Roarers helped the US Army. They provided cover while the soldiers and their supplies crossed the river.
On January 17, 1836, the Mosquito Roarers faced the Seminole people again. This fight took place at the Dunlawton Plantation in what is now Port Orange, Florida. The battle ended when Coacoochee, a Seminole leader, arrived with more warriors. This forced the Mosquito Roarers to retreat from the plantation.
After the War
After the Second Seminole War ended, the Mosquito Roarers continued to be active. They often helped local sheriffs and law enforcement. Their role was to assist in finding criminals and stopping public disturbances.
