Battle of Fort Brooke

Other Names: None

Location: Tampa, Florida

Campaign: Expedition to Hillsborough River (1863)

Date: October 16-18, 1863

Principal Commanders: Lt. Comdr. A.A. Semmes [US]; Capt. John Westcott [CS]

Forces Engaged: Tahoma, Adela ships, and landing force [US]; Company A, 2nd Battalion, Florida Volunteers [CS]

Casualties and losses: Unknown

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Two Union ships bombarded Fort Brooke on October 16 as a diversion, while a landing party under Acting Master T.R. Harris disembarked at Ballast Point and marched 14 miles to the Hillsborough River to capture several steamers. Harris and his men surprised and captured the blockade running steamer Scottish Chief and sloop Kate Dale. The Rebels destroyed the steamer A.B. Noyes to preclude her capture. On its way back to the ship, Harris's force was surprised by a detachment of the garrison, causing casualties. The raid met its objectives. Shipping out of Tampa came to a virtual halt for the duration of the war, damaging the Confederate war effort and crippling the local economy. When Union forces again landed in May 1864, Fort Brooke was no longer garrisoned and the town had been virtually abandoned.