Battle of Santa Rosa Island

Battle of Santa Rosa Island Began: October 9, 1861 Ended: Same day Location: Escambia County, Florida Theater: Lower Seaboard Theater and Gulf Approach Campaign: Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron Outcome: Union victory Combatants Santa Rosa Island Garrison Infantry, artillery detachments Commanders Harvey Brown Colonel, USA Richard H. Anderson Brigadier General, CSA Strength 600 1,200 Casualties 67 87

After midnight on October 9, Brig. Gen. Richard Anderson crossed from the mainland to Santa Rosa Island with 1,200 men in two small steamers to surprise Union camps and capture Fort Pickens. He landed on the north beach about four miles east of Fort Pickens and divided his command into three columns. After proceeding about three miles, the Confederates surprised the 6th Regiment, New York Volunteers, in its camp and routed the regiment. Gen. Anderson then adopted a defensive stance to entice the Federals to leave the fort and attack. Receiving reinforcements, Col. Harvey Brown sallied against the Confederates, who reembarked and returned to the mainland. (NPS summary)