[FHStoday] TODAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY FOR DECEMBER 24

[Nick Wynne]

TODAY IN FLORIDA HISTORY
DECEMBER 24
1823            Residents of Fernandina today asked Congress for a grant of 
public lands near the center of the city for the purpose of establishing a 
common garden area for the city's poor and for revenue purposes.

1824            Orange County, Florida's 11th county, was established 
today.  Orange County is named for the many orange groves in the immediate 
vicinity.

1835            General Richard Keith Call joined General Duncan Clinch at 
Fort Drane.  A general consolidation of American forces was taking place 
there before a strong campaign against the Seminoles.

1862            The U.S.S. Charlotte, under the command of Acting Master 
Bruner, today captured the Confederate steamer Bloomer in the 
Choctawhatchee River, Florida.

1863            The U.S.S. Fox, with Acting Master Asbury in command, today 
seized the British blockade runner, Edward, off the mouth of the Suwannee 
River after a two-hour chase.  The Edward was captured after trying to run 
down the smaller Union ship.  She was carrying a cargo of lead and salt.

1863            The U.S.S. Sunflower, under the command of Acting Master 
Van Sice, captured the blockade runner Hancock near the lighthouse at Tampa 
Bay.  The blockade runner was carrying a cargo of salt and borax.

1936            Floridians watched the political events in Cuba with 
interest as Federico Laredo Brus replaced impeached President Gomez.  Many 
Floridians vacationed on the island nation, playing in the casinos.  Other 
Florida businesses depended on a direct sea and air connection to Cuba, and 
any change on the political scene were viewed with interest.

1956            Today marked the beginning of the modern civil rights 
movement in Tallahassee as African-American citizens of the capital city 
defied city laws and occupied the front seats of busses used for public 
transportation.