Florida Civil War Blockades: Battling for the Coast (Civil War Series)

Florida was the third Southern state to secede from the United States in 1860-61. With its small population of 140,000 and no manufacturing, few Confederate resources were allocated to protect the state. Some 15,000 Floridians served in the Union and Confederate armies (the highest population percentage of any southern state), but perhaps Florida's greatest contributions came from its production of salt (an essential need for preserving meat and manufacturing gunpowder), its large herds of cattle (which fed two southern armies), and its 1500 mile shoreline (which allowed smugglers to bring critical supplies from Europe and the Carribean). Florida in the Civil War: Blockaders will focus on the men and ships that fought this prolonged battle at sea, along the long and largely vacant coasts of the Sunshine State and on Florida soil. The information will be drawn from official sources, newspaper articles and private accounts. Approximately fifty (50) period photographs and drawings will be incorporated into the text. 1. Florida--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Blockades. 2. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Blockades. 3. Florida--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations. 4. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations. I. Crankshaw, Joe. II. Title.Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book. In the beginning Finding a way Florida goes dark The blockaders: a sailor's life The blockade runners' friend: yellow fever For patriotism and profit: blockade runners Florida's east coast in the blockade Florida's west coast in the blockade: Fort Myers to Bayport The blockade: from Cedar Keys to Pensacola Contrabands and kettles Fish, corn and citrus Cattle, contrabands and conflict The final year: 1865 The end.