Olustee
Ocean Pond Florida
February 20, 1864
In February 1864, the commander of the Department of the South,
Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gillmore, launched an expedition into Florida
to secure Union enclaves, sever Rebel supply routes, and recruit
black soldiers. Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour moved deep into the state,
occupying, destroying, and liberating, meeting little resistance
on February 20, he approached Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan's 5,000
Confederates entrenched near Olustee. One infantry brigade pushed
out to meet Seymour's advance units. The Union forces attacked but
were repulsed. The battle raged, and as Finegan committed the last
of his reserves, the Union line broke and began to retreat. Finegan
did not exploit the retreat, allowing most of the fleeing Union
forces to reach Jacksonville.
Result(s):
Confederate victory
Location:
Baker County
Campaign:
Florida Expedition (1864)
Date(s):
February 20, 1864
Principal
Commanders: Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour [US]; Brig. Gen. Joseph
Finegan [CS]
Forces
Engaged: Division [US]; District of East Florida [CS]
Estimated
Casualties: 2,806 total (US 1,860; CS 946)
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