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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5 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
The USS Columbine was never put into use after the battle. In fact Dickison burned and sank it on the spot. The USS Ottawa was a few miles away and he knew they would be responding soon. They stripped the vessel of its twin Dahlgren guns and then set it ablaze. Dickison wrote the Florida volume of "Confederate Military History" and stated he captured 65 prisoners, 6 wounded, and about 20 killed and drowned in the battle. The battle actually took place nearer to Satsuma than Welaka. I live about 5 miles from the site.
oh, and your drawing is outstanding. Incredible detail. Brilliant.
To all,
I have recently started researching this vessel and the event. My father willed me a lead patch that he and his buddies discovered while diving the said vessel in the early 70s. Thanks to the net there is a lot of info out here. I'm sure the patch is from a previous event. It is about a foot square with 60 nail holes and I have all but one of the brass nails.
Any information would be great.
Thanks
Jim
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