Sites & Celebrations – Florida Society SAR

The Historic Sites and Celebrations Committee studies and records Revolutionary War sites across Florida, supporting recognition, preservation, and designation as official national commemorative sites.

Battle Commemorations

Florida Society and partners commemorate five Revolutionary War events—three on land and two at sea.

1. Battle of Nassau (First Amphibious Assault)

When: Beginning of March annually Where: Fisher Family Pier, 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL Host: Fort Lauderdale Chapter History: On March 3, 1776, Captain Samuel Nicholas led 270 Marines and sailors ashore near Fort Montague—the first amphibious landing in Navy and Marine Corps history. On March 4, Fort Nassau was taken without a fight. Marines captured 88 cannons, 15 mortars, 24 barrels of gunpowder, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

2. Battle of Thomas Creek

When: Last Saturday in March Where: 2145 Arnold/Gold Star Rd., Jacksonville, FL Host: Jacksonville Chapter Designation: SAR National Event History: On May 17, 1777, Colonel John Baker’s 109 Patriots were ambushed by British Major Mark Prévost and Lt. Colonel Thomas Brown’s forces. The defeat crippled the second invasion of East Florida. This remains the southernmost Revolutionary War battle fought in the thirteen colonies.

3. Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge

When: End of June annually Where: Callahan, FL Host: Jacksonville Chapter Designation: SAR National Event History: On June 30, 1778, during the third Florida invasion, Colonel Elijah Clark led his mounted militia against British entrenchments. The attack failed due to lack of coordination between Georgia Governor Houstoun and General William Howe. Although battle casualties were only 13, over 500 Patriots died of disease before withdrawal.

4. Siege and Battle of Pensacola

When: May annually Where: Pensacola, FL Host: Pensacola Chapter Designation: SAR National Event History: Spanish forces under General Bernardo de Gálvez besieged the British garrison under General John Campbell starting March 9, 1781. On May 8, a Spanish mortar hit the British powder magazine, killing 57 defenders. Campbell surrendered on May 10. This victory eliminated British control of the Gulf Coast, influencing the 1783 Peace Treaty.

5. Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution

When: Beginning of March annually Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 555 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island, FL Host: Brevard Chapter Designation: SAR National Event History: On March 10, 1783, Captain John Barry on the Alliance engaged British ships off Cape Canaveral. Barry’s tactics saved both American ships carrying Spanish silver dollars desperately needed by Congress. The peace treaty had been ratified on February 3, 1783, making this the final naval victory of the war.

Other Activities

Constitution Day (September 17)

Programs celebrating the U.S. Constitution with educational activities focusing on civic duty, rights, and the document’s importance.

Historical Plaque Dedications

Installation and rededication of plaques at Revolutionary War sites and early American heritage sites.

Wreaths Across America (December)

Placing wreaths in cemeteries across Florida to honor veterans.