This steamboat - the USS Columbine, shown here as a union gunboat - has a unique place in history (certainly in Civil War history anyway) as it may be the only warship in ever captured by a cavalry troop.
As it neared its mooring in the St. Johns River around Mandarin, in south Jacksonville, Florida, a Confederate cavalry patrol - with a cannon - waited in hiding, unbeknownst to the ship. As it got close to land the cannon shot out and immediately disabled the walking beam of the ship, effectively shutting down any chance of escape.
The ship was close enough that a couple of officers were wounded before surrendering the ship as they knew they would be sunk otherwise. It was repaired and put into service by the Confederate's before being scuttled later in the war.
The location of the ship's remains had long been a mystery, until 2006, when they were discovered further south near Tocoi Point, at Palatka. Plans are underway to bring up the walking beam and sidewheels to display.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Union Gunboat USS Columbine
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2 comments:
Actually, the site of the Columbine ambush (by Cpt JJ Dickison and H/2 Fl Cav)was way south of Jacksonville on the St. Johns near Welaka. Tha actual place is Horse Landing, and the wreck (what is left of it) has been found.
The USS Maple Leaf and USS Gen Hunter went down off Mandarin Point to CSA keg torpedos.
-Sharon Boyd
Thanks Sharon, you are correct. I need to go back and edit. Toccoi Point/Horse Landing is indeed where they found the ship.
Yep, Maple Leaf was in Mandarin Point.
Thanks again, and thanks for viewing my blog.
Mike
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