Observance of the 150th Anniversary of the

Battle of Tampa

June 30 and July 1, 1862
 

The most notable occurrence in 1862 was what is known by the National Parks Service as the "Yankee Outrage at Tampa".  

The Sesquicentennial Commission observed this event as its signature event for 2012,  the second year of the observance of the sesquicentennial of the Confederate States of America.

Date:

 June 30th, 2012 - 150 years to the day of the actual Battle

EVENT PHOTOS

Time:

 5:30 p.m.

Location:

Historic Oaklawn Cemetery
(just north of downtown Tampa)

 at monument site to the shell that landed in the Cemetery
 

Promotional Poster:
Print yours here
 

Project Overview

Two Tampa Bay heros, veterans of the War Between the States will be honored.  Capt. John Pearson, Osceola Rangers, Post Commander of Fort Brooke and Capt. James Gettis, Co. B, 7th Florida Infantry.

The event  featured period color guards, period rifle squad, singing of “Dixie,” presentation ceremony for the “Southern Cross of Honor” to Captain Gettis-CS (a noted participant of the defense of Tampa resting in Oaklawn Cemetery and member of Hillsborough Lodge 25 F. & A.M.), and period music.

Historical Overview

On June 30, a Federal gunboat, the U.S.S. Sagamore, came into Tampa Bay.  She turned her broadside on Tampa  Town, and opened her ports.  Commanding officer, Capt. A.J. Drake, U.S.N., dispatched a launch carrying 20 men and a lieutenant under a flag of truce.  They demanded the surrender of Tampa Town and Fort Brooke. 

Capt. J.W. Pearson, Post Commander at Fort Brooke refused, and later that day, the Sagamore unleashed her arsenal on the town.   The cannons at Fort Brooke responded, and inexperienced soldiers defended Tampa from the attack. 

 The Sagamore ceased her firing at 6 p.m., and reportedly made repairs.  Then at noon, the following day, resumed the attack.

We are fortunate to have Capt. Pearson's official report on the engagement.  This first person account will be presented in first person at the event.

Tampa attorney Capt. James Gettis would play a key role in the Battle, directing one of the cannon crews.
 

Public Reaction

The event was designed to excite and enthuse the general population with an appreciation for the Veterans
of so long ago fighting to protect and defend Tampa Bay area during time of War.
 

This project honors the history of the Tampa Bay area's contribution to Florida and her Southern Confederacy 150 years ago and the valor of Tampa Bay's veterans.