Port of Apalachicola facts for kids
The Port of Apalachicola is a historic port located on St. George Island in Franklin County, Florida. It sits right where the Apalachicola River meets the Apalachicola Bay, which then opens into the Gulf of Mexico. This port is also part of the Intracoastal Waterway, a famous water route along the coast.
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The Port of Apalachicola: A Key Civil War Location
The Port of Apalachicola was very important during the American Civil War. This war was fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865.
Why Was This Port Important During the Civil War?
Ports like Apalachicola were crucial during the Civil War because they allowed goods and supplies to be moved by ship. Controlling a port meant controlling trade and access to important rivers and waterways.
The Union Blockade
On June 11, 1861, the Union (Northern states) started a blockade of the Port of Apalachicola. A blockade means using ships to stop other ships from entering or leaving a port. The Union ship USS Montgomery began this blockade. Sometimes, a group of three or more Union ships would be in the area to keep the blockade strong.
Who Controlled the Port?
On April 3, 1862, Union forces landed at Apalachicola. They took control of the port without any fighting from the Confederacy (Southern states). Throughout the war, the port changed hands several times between the Union and Confederate forces. These changes usually happened without major battles.
