Civil War Unionism in Florida

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Lieutenant Frederick Jost, 1st Florida Union Cavalry

Photo Credit: Museum of Florida History

As the war progressed and hardships increased, so did Unionist sentiments and action throughout Florida.

While most Floridians supported secession in 1860-1861, a number still exhibited a lingering loyalty to the United States. As the war progressed, anti-war and pro-Union sentiment in the state increased.

Some may have originally opposed secession, while others became demoralized and disenchanted with Confederate policies. Conscription alienated many, as did the Impressment Act, which authorized the government’s seizure of food and other goods. Widespread shortages and long casualty lists added to the discontent.

The strongest example of militant Unionism in Florida was the formation of the 1st and 2nd Florida Union Cavalry Regiments, which served in the Federal army.

As anti-war and pro-Union sentiment increased, some Unionists fled to the protection of Federal military forces. Others hid in remote areas of the state, their numbers augmented by deserters who grew in number as the war progressed. In addition to the white population, large numbers of Florida slaves, with no loyalty to the Confederacy, likewise fled to the protection of Union forces.

The strongest example of militant Unionism in Florida was the formation of the 1st and 2nd Florida Union Cavalry Regiments, which served in the Federal army. These units took part in numerous skirmishes during 1864-1865. Though not all Florida Unionists demonstrated their opposition to the Confederacy to that extent, it appears obvious that, while many Floridians remained loyal to their new nation until the final surrender, others had long since abandoned the cause and looked to the Union victory with satisfaction or relief.

To learn more, see: “Deprivation, Disaffection, and Desertion in Confederate Florida” by John F. Reiger, The Florida Historical Quarterly, Vol. 48, No. 3, January 1970.