On June 20, the Jacksonville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) partnered with the city of Callahan and the West Nassau Historical Society to commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge.
The battle originally took place on June 30, 1778, near what is now Callahan in Nassau County, Florida. It was the last of three efforts to conquer British East Florida.
According to a historical marker at the site, a force of 300 American cavalry commanded by Colonel Elijah Clarke took part in General Howe’s invasion of Florida. They attacked a British column at Alligator Creek Bridge.
The Americans could not break through the nearby camps, which were defended by 450 British regulars and South Carolina Royalists under the command of Major James Mark Prevost.
During the skirmish, Clarke was wounded, and the American forces withdrew. It was reported that 13 American soldiers and nine British soldiers died at Alligator Creek Bridge. However, there were many more deaths on both sides in the retreats that followed due to the harsh Florida terrain in 1778.
Paul Tucker, past president of the Jacksonville SAR, welcomed guests to the ceremony, which was complete with a full color guard.
The Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution (FLSSAR) was also represented at the ceremony by their president, Johnathon Hunt. Hunt spoke about freedom and why it’s important not to forget the sacrifice these soldiers made.
“Freedom was never preserved by comfort or complacency,” said Hunt.
Marsha Byers, the council president and honorary regent of the Ponte Vedra Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, said it was important to celebrate patriotism in the 250th year of America’s birth.
“Today we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice and devotion of those who served,” she said.
The SAR’s goal is to honor the patriot ancestors of the Revolutionary War by promoting patriotism, serving communities and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of the United States.
