By Spessard Stone
Dr. Canter Brown, Jr. continues his comprehensive historical study of nineteenth century greater Tampa Bay with Tampa in Civil War and Reconstruction.
Tampa today is a cosmopolitan international city, but from 1859-1877 it was an isolated village in search of an identity,
beset by numerous social and economic problems.Racial relations, formerly mild and secure, had been sorely tried by local and national events, including in late 1859 John Brown's attack at Harper's Ferry and the lynching of a slave in Tampa, but the rise of the "black Republicans," was the main catalyst.
In 1860, the town's fortunes, already in disarray, were dealt twin shocks when in June the Florida Rail Road of Senator David Levy Yulee bypassed them for Cedar Keys, and then Capt. James McKay, Sr. and his associate Jacob Summerlin, Jr. relocated their Cuba-bound cattle shipment site to now Punta Gorda.
Finally, local citizens in a mass meeting in November 1860 petitioned the governor to consider severing their connection to the national government. With Hillsborough's delegates concurring, Florida seceded on January 10, 1861, with Civil War following in April 1861.
Tampa merchant John Darling expressed the conventional wisdom, "It was a rightful and proper remedy to break down the policy of Negroe emancipation believed to be intended by the Republican Administration then about to come to office."
Brown provides an extensive narrative, not only of the military campaigns, but also of the hardships endured by the civilians on the home front. Although Tampa is the main focus, neighboring counties, including the Peace River Valley, and the state are included.
Of special interest is the presentation of the actions of blockade runner Capt. James McKay, Sr., who steered a precarious course between his duties to Tampa and the Union.
Brown's forte, in this and previous histories, is chronicling the achievements of, not only 19th century African Americans, but also the Loyalists (formerly known with the opprobrium Scalawags) during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
The text concludes with the post-war years, in which former Confederates, Loyalists, and freedmen strived to achieve economic success and political power.
Economically, Brown relates of those who valiantly battled uncertain markets, drought, hurricanes, disease, etc. to revive Tampa. In so doing, he introduces us to a myriad of farmers, cattlemen, educators, ministers, and merchants.
President Andrew Johnson mild policies, however, had largely resulted in ex-Confederates (Conservatives) in power and former slaves only technically free. With the ascension of Radical Republicans in the spring of 1867, there ensued dramatic changes.
Centering on Tampa but in context of the state-at-large, Brown presents a clear description of this era, in which initially Republicans held sway and passed numerous reforms, most of which were resisted by Conservatives (Democrats).
In our recent ongoing election, Florida is the eye of the hurricane. Now the respective parties are fighting over such arcane matters as chads and intent of the voters.
In the infamous election of November 1876, in which the Democrats achieved Redemption, however, Brown advises us of a different time when Republicans were intimidated by Democrats, and concludes with a shootout in Tampa between whites and blacks.
Tampa in Civil War and Reconstruction, like it's predecessor, Tampa Before the Civil War, is a beautifully designed book. It contains 256 pages, 86 photos/illustrations, notes, bibliography, and index.
It can be ordered for $25.00 from the Tampa Bay History Center, 225 South Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602, 1-813-228-0097. E-mail them at Tampa Bay History Center.
This review was published in The Herald-Advocate (Wauchula, Fla.) of December 7, 2000.
January 10, 2001 & links = October 17, 2001