Battle of Marianna

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Union Brigadier General Alexander Asboth led the Battle of Marianna in northwest Florida.

Photo Credit: The National Archives

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Battle of Marianna Monument, Marianna

Photo Credit: William Lees, Florida Public Archaeology Network

Marianna's defenses were limited and much of the fighting took place in the town's streets and cemetery.

In late 1863, Brigadier General Alexander Asboth took command at Pensacola of the Union’s District of West Florida. He increased military operations and, in September 1864, decided to raid the town of Marianna, after receiving reports that it was being fortified and that Union prisoners were confined there.

The only force available to defend Marianna consisted of a few cavalry, as well as militia and troops home on leave. They barricaded the main street entering the town and waited for the Union attack, which came on September 27. The Confederates stopped the first charge, but Asboth led a second that proved more successful. The Confederate commander ordered a retreat, but many of the militia refused to abandon their town to the enemy. Fighting continued in the streets and in a cemetery, with some defenders trapped in the Episcopal church, which was set on fire by the Union troops. Low on ammunition, the remaining Confederate forces surrendered.

When the fighting ended, 10 Confederates lay dead or mortally wounded and 16 others wounded, with over 40 captured. Union losses were comparable with eight dead or mortally wounded and 19 wounded, including General Asboth who suffered severe arm and facial injuries. By the time Confederate reinforcements arrived the next day, the Union force had departed and was well on its way back to Pensacola.

To learn more, see: The Battle of Marianna, Florida by Dale Cox, Published by the author, Expanded Edition, 2011.