When the Civil War began, Florida was of little strategic importance to North or South. By the end of 1863, this position had changed dramatically. For the struggling Confederacy, Florida had become a crucial source of supplies. Thus the Union endeavored to regain control of Florida, an effort that culminated in the Battle of Olustee. Compiled from primary sources such as diaries and journals, this work tells the story of the failed Union attempt to wrest control of Florida. From the legislature to the battlefield, it details military and political maneuvers that went into the Florida campaign. One of the bloodiest battles of the war with inordinately high casualties, this conflict took place in February 1864 between troops commanded by Union General Truman Seymour and Confederate General Joseph Finegan. Appendices provide details on the opposing armies, a list of casualties by unit and enlistment of black troops by state. Contemporary photographs and an index are also included.