McClure's Hill

At the Battle of Amelia on September 13, 1817, Spaniards on this hill erected a battery of four brass cannon with about 300 men, supported by two gunboats, and shelled Fernandina, which was held by Jared Irwin, an adventurer and former Penna. congressman. His "Republic of Florida" forces numbered 94 and included the privateers Morgiana and St. Joseph and the armed schooner Jupiter. Spanish gunboats began firing at 3:30 P.M., and the battery on this hill joined the cannonade. The guns of Fort San Carlos on the river bluff northwest of here and those of the St. Joseph defended Amelia Island. Cannon balls killed two and wounded other Spanish troops concentrated below this hill, and after firing continued until dark, the Spanish commander, convinced he could not capture the island, withdrew his forces.

Fernandina Beach, Florida · United States