One of the farthest states that was interchanged into history at the battle of Gettysburg was the soldiers that were originated from Florida. Being the farthest and southernmost state within the Confederacy, the soldiers were the farthest away from their families. Florida seceded from the Union on January 10th, 1861. What is more odd is that there is only one monument on the battlefield that is dedicated to the state of Florida and any soldier that was serving within the regiments. Let’s look into the state and see what more can be gathered.
The state of Florida monument was dedicated 100 years after the battle on July 3rd, 1963. The statement with this is that none of the soldiers that fought here were able to see the monument placed on the battlefield. However, their families, children, and ancestors were able to see it back then and now in the 21st century. On the monument are three stone stars. These represent the three regiments that fought here. The regiments of Florida consisted of 700 soldiers. They were part of the 2nd, 5th, and 8th Florida regiments. Overall, Florida had the 3rd smallest contingent here at Gettysburg, but at a casualty rate of 62%.
The Florida Brigade, commanded by Edward A. Perry was also known as “The Flowers” or Perry’s Brigade. Prior to Gettysburg, they fought at Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. Even though General Perry was at the battle of Gettysburg, he didn’t commanded it since he was down with typhoid fever. Instead, the colonel of the 8th Florida, David Lang, took command. After the battle of Gettysburg, the 5th Florida was the only unit of Perry’s Brigade to not lose their regimental colors to Union troops.
It was, however, almost lost to time and misplacement. Within the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee, lies the final resting stop of the 5th Florida regimental flag. Apparently, according to the plaque beneath the flag, one of the curators took the flag home with him to show a friend. The curator passed away and the flag was found weeks later during the estate cleanup.
Whoops to history, I suppose.