The Attack on Fort Myers

In December 1863, Fort Myers, inactive since 1858, was reoccupied and served as a supply depot for the Federal blockade squadron. Troops from the fort often raided Confederate supply depots in Florida's interior because Florida beef fed the Confederate army. To discourage these raids, Confederate Major William Footman led 275 men of Florida's "Cow Cavalry" from Fort Thompson (LaBelle) to the gates of Fort Myers. Shortly after noon on February 20, 1865, Footman approached under a flag of truce and gave the Federals 20 minutes to surrender. Captain James Doyle, commanding a garrison made up of the Union 2nd Florida Cavalry, the 110th New York Infantry, and the 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry, refused. The Confederates then bombarded the fort with their field piece, and Fort Myers answered with its three cannons. Cannonade and musketry continued until after nightfall, when Footman and his Confederates withdrew under cover of darkness. Casualties on both sides were light.

Fort Myers, Florida · United States