First Florida Cavalry, CSA
Walter Miles Parker, Private, 1st Florida Cavalry, CSA. Passed from this earth in May of 1862, from disease
The First Florida Cavalry was mustered into service in mid-1861, from various counties with 1648 men in companies A thru K, along with Chaplain R.L. Wiggins and bugler. The First spent about six months at Camp Davis, near Tallahassee preparing for the duties that would be necessary for them to complete while assigned to the Army of the Tennessee.
The 1st was transferred to the western theater in the spring of 1862, and participated in the Kentucky Campaign, as well as the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, as well as many others. Colonel G. W. M. Davis resigned in spring of 1862, as such Lieutenant Colonel G. T. Maxwell progressed to the rank of Colonel; and Major William T. Stockton rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Later in the spring of 1862, almost half of the Regiment voluntarily dismounted and completed their service as infantry. The companies that remained mounted were Companies A, E, and F; commanded by Captains Coxe, Cone, and Footman, respectively.
Florida regiments had to overcome severe casualties following the Battle of Chickamauga, being as they were not resupplied or reinforced; remaining soldiers were all lumped in one large brigade for the remainder of the war.
The First Forida Today
The 1st Florida Cavalry today is a member unit in the Central Virginia Region of the North-South Skirmish Association. The N-SSA is an organization that represents the history and memory of those that fell for the cause they so gallantly defended. Our organization competes at many “skirmishes” throughout the year, at many different ranges.
The 1st Florida is jokingly referred to as a team member of the “Fort Shenandoah” garrison, as most of the skirmishes we compete at are held at the N-SSA National Range, Fort Shenandoah, just north of Winchester, Virginia. We compete mainly in musket and carbine team competitions, but some members are known to delve into the revolver team matches also.
1st Florida Cavalry, Company A.
Competitors shoot Civil War period original or reproduction firearms at breakable targets, against the clock. The teams that have the best times take home medals in their respective classes. The 1st Florida took sixth place in class A-2 musket at the Fall Nationals in October of 2007. We have about 20 members on our team, and most of the members are based in the Northern Virginia area.
We are always accepting new members, so please feel free to contact us today if you're interested, or even if you would just like more information.
