1st Florida Special Cavalry Battalion

1st Special Cavalry Battalion
Active1864–1865
Country Confederate States of America
Allegiance Florida
Branch Confederate States Army
TypeBattalion
RoleCavalry
Nickname(s)Cow Cavalry
EngagementsAmerican Civil War
Commanders
Notable
commanders
C. J. Munnerlyn
Major William Footman

The 1st Florida Battalion Special Cavalry , nicknamed the "Cow Cavalry", was a Confederate States Army cavalry unit from Florida during the American Civil War. Commanded by Charles James Munnerlyn; it was organized to protect herds of cattle from Union raiders.[1][2] The hides and meat from Florida cattle were a critical supply item for the Confederacy.

  1. ^ Taylor, Robert (1986). "Cow Cavalry: Munnerlyn's Battalion in Florida, 1864-1865". Florida Historical Quarterly. 65 (2): 196–214. JSTOR 30146741.
  2. ^ "Jacob Summerlin: The cowman who was king of crackers". TBNweekly. 21 August 2007.