Skirmish of the Brick Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of the Brick Church |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
 The location where the brick church once stood |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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Colonel W. S. Dilworth Lieutenant Strange |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 7 | 30 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 7
(4 killed
3 captured/missing) |
3
(1 killed
2 captured) |
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The Skirmish of the Brick Church was a small but important fight. It happened in Northeast Florida during the American Civil War. This battle was the first land fight in that part of Florida.
It took place on March 24, 1862. The battle ended with a victory for the Confederates. This was their first win in Florida during the war.
Why the Battle Happened
Florida decided to leave the United States on January 1, 1861. This was a big step that led to the American Civil War.
President Abraham Lincoln then gathered a large navy fleet. This fleet included soldiers and ships. Their goal was to take control of important areas.
In early 1862, the defenses along Florida's coast were left empty. Because of this, several Union Navy warships sailed up the St. Johns River. They headed towards Jacksonville, Florida.
The Skirmish at the Church
When the Confederates learned that Federal forces had landed in Jacksonville, they acted quickly. Colonel Davis sent a group of cavalry soldiers. They went to Camp Langford, which was near Jacksonville.
Confederate scouts reported that Union soldiers had set up a strong outpost. This outpost was at a brick church. Colonel W. S. Dilworth was in charge of attacking Union outposts. He wanted to bother the enemy with quick raids.
One of these attacks turned into a battle at the brick church. Lieutenant Strange of the Third Florida was at the church. He was told to capture the Union soldiers. He was also told to try and avoid bloodshed if possible.
About 30 Confederate soldiers met five Union soldiers. The Union soldiers were hiding behind tombstones, trees, and in the churchyard. They were shooting at the Confederates who were moving forward.
The five Union soldiers had to retreat inside the church. But the Confederates quickly stormed the church. Two Union soldiers inside the church were killed. The other three surrendered.
More Confederate soldiers tried to advance. But they were stopped by return fire from the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry. During this, one Confederate soldier was killed. Two others were taken prisoner.
Colonel Dilworth did not have enough soldiers to fight the Union forces directly. So, he kept doing his hit-and-run raids.
What Happened After
After the fight, the Federal soldiers went back to their ships. They then decided to burn down parts of the city.
Today, there is no trace of the brick church left. However, the church cemetery still remains.
This battle, even though it was small, was important for a few reasons. It was the first victory for the Confederates in Florida. It was also where the first Confederate officer was killed in Florida.
