Staff report
The public is invited to attend a commemoration of the Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge on Saturday, June 20, at the Multi-Purpose Building, 543378 Highway 1, in Callahan. The program begins at 10 a.m.
The Jacksonville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will host the event, which marks the 248th anniversary of the battle. The battle originally took place June 30, 1778, near what is now Callahan in Nassau County.
According to a historical marker at the site, a force of 300 American cavalry commanded by Col. Elijah Clarke took part in Gen. Howe’s invasion of Florida and attacked a British column at Alligator Creek Bridge. The Americans were unable to break through nearby entrenchments defended by 450 British regulars and South Carolina Royalists under the command of Maj. James Mark Prevost. Col. Clarke was wounded during the skirmish, and American forces withdrew. The British retired toward the St. Johns River the following day.
Casualties at Alligator Creek Bridge were reported at 13 Americans and nine British, though additional losses on both sides occurred during the retreats that followed due to the harsh Florida terrain. The battle was the last of three efforts to conquer British East Florida.
The Sons of the American Revolution honors the patriot ancestors of the Revolutionary War by promoting patriotism, serving communities and educating future generations about the founding principles of the United States.
For more information, visit the Jacksonville Chapter, Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution Facebook page.
Source: Sons of the American Revolution, Jacksonville Chapter
