It's a little different when we visit a place we used to live in. Forty years ago, we lived in Tampa, Florida (on Florida's west coast) and rarely took advantage of what is one of longest (if not the longest) continuous sidewalk in the United States.
Last year, we decided to change that. So in March of 2013, we found ourselves visitors in a city where we used to live. It was time to be tourists and not residents.
Walking along Bayshore Boulevard, at Hawthorne Road on that bright March day, we saw this historical marker.
There had actually been a small battle in Tampa, back in 1862, but this marker was not for that. Rather, it was for something I had never heard of, a skirmish on October 17, 1863 - a small Federal invasion of the city that failed.
But, this isn't the only trace of the Civil War in the waters near Tampa. Indeed, Civil War era wrecks are being located, including one called the Scottish Chief and a "blockade runner" called the Kate Dale.
Indeed, Tampa, and Florida (a Confederate state), played a role in the Civil War, one that was vital, but isn't that well known.
I found more historical info on Tampa which I might save for a snowy winter day.
You can see a list of historical markers across Florida online.
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| Near Downtown Tampa |
How fascinating! I never knew about this so I found it very interesting to read about the history. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteSometimes history is where you least expect it.
DeleteI would love to visit Bayshore Boulevard when I go to Florida. Thank you for the share
ReplyDeleteIt's a very long sidewalk along a bay - miles long, and you would enjoy it.
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