Jehu Foster Marshall established this sugar plantation in 1855. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, he became a colonel in the Confederate Army and soon commanded the 1st South Carolina Rifles, one of General Wade Hampton's infantry units, before being killed during the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862. The plantation remained in operation under the supervision of his widow, Elizabeth Anne DeBrull Marshall, until March 10, 1865, when Union troops carried out a surprise raid and burned the plantation and sugar mill to the ground. The raid was conducted by elements of the 3rd United States Colored Infantry under the black Sergeant Major Henry James. The Ocala Home Guard pursued the Union force, and in the running battle two home guard members were killed. After crossing the Ocklawaha River, the raiders set fire to the bridge. Company H, 2nd Florida Cavalry, led by Captain J. J. Dickison from nearby Silver Springs, soon gave chase, drove the Union troops into St. Augustine, and reclaimed all property seized during the raid.