Myakka River Civil War Skirmish
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 26° 58.120 W 082° 12.658
17R E 379815 N 2983540
Located in park on Kerrigan Cr in El Jobean.
Waymark Code: WMRH94
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/21/2016
Views: 5
During the American Civil War in late 1863, Union forces and "refugee rangers" encountered local combatants in a brief skirmish on the eastern shore of the Myakka River near today's El Jobean. It is the only recorded Civil War skirmish within the boundaries of present-day Charlotte County.
From Dec. 24 to 30, 1863, 14 Union military regulars commanded by Acting Ensign J. H. Jenks on small boats from the U.S. bark Gem of the Sea encountered signal fires and sporadic gun fire from local southern sympathizers. Commanded by Master's Mate Peter Coffin, the U.S. sloop Rosalie arrived to provide cover at a shelling position 200 yards from the Myakka's east shore, opening fire with a howitzer when clashes escalated on Dec. 30. Fifteen Florida refugee rangers led by ranger Captain Enoch Daniels had proceeded on a scouting mission over land to the northeast, and some witnessed the skirmish on their return. Union forces retreated to their boats, with one seaman injured.
The Myakka skirmish led Union commanders to believe that thousands of regulars would be needed to capture and hold mainland Charlotte Harbor, so the area cattle continued to be driven north to feed the Confederate army.
Marker Number: None
Date: 2013
County: Charlotte
Marker Type: Roadside
Sponsored or placed by: Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners
Website: [Web Link]
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