1st Florida Cavalry Regiment: A confederate Unit’s Story
The 1st Florida Cavalry Regiment, a Confederate army unit, played a role in the U.S. Civil War. Organized in July 1861 in Tallahassee, the regiment drew its members primarily from several Florida counties.
The regiment’s initial formation and subsequent service provide a glimpse into Florida’s contribution to the Confederacy.
Did You Know?
The 1st Florida Cavalry was initially funded in part by William G.M. Davis, a lawyer from Leon County, who later became the unit’s colonel.
Formation and Early Service
The 1st Florida Cavalry was organized just south of Tallahassee in July 1861. William G. M. Davis, a lawyer from Leon County, used his own funds to start the regiment and was elected colonel. The companies that comprised the unit were raised from Alachua, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Leon, Levy, Nassau, and Suwannee counties.
After being mustered in,the unit served in Florida until the spring of 1862. At that time, Companies A, E, and F continued to serve as cavalry, while the other seven companies were dismounted.
Western theater and Consolidation
The regiment moved to the western theater in 1862 and saw action at the Battle of Missionary Ridge in 1863. The unit suffered heavy losses during this battle.
Pro Tip
Studying regimental histories can provide valuable insights into the experiences of individual soldiers and the broader context of the Civil War.
According to the National Park Service, the 1st Florida Cavalry Regiment was combined with the 4th Florida Infantry Regiment during the 1863-1864 winter camp in Dalton, ga., after losing its entire officer cadre to casualties. The new combined unit remained together until the surrender of the Army of Tennessee in 1865.
Surrender
The 1st Florida Cavalry Regiment surrendered in North Carolina in april 1865.
