Cedar Key, located on the Gulf, was the terminus of the Atlantic to Gulf Railroad (Florida Railroad) that crossed the state from Fernandina on the Atlantic coast. It was completed just before the onset of the war in March of 1861. The area was an important source of lumber and turpentine. Several Confederate salt works were also located here. On October 4th and 6th, 1862, Lieutenant Commander Earl English of the USS Somerset led an expedition to the area of Station #4. On the 6th he was joined by the USS Tacoma. Together they and raided and destroyed multiple salt works totaling 50-60 boilers capable of producing 150 bushels of salt a day. The Federals suffered 6 casualties on the 4th.

Given the areas importance the Confederates protected the harbor by fortifying Seahorse Key. Barracks were built for the 4th Florida Infantry and a battery mounting two old 18-pounders was constructed on the east end of the island. Additional troops were garrisoned on Atsena Otie Key (referred to as Depot Key during the war) along with a 6-pounder gun.

The Confederacy transferred troops from Cedar Key to other areas and by January of 1862 there was only a lieutenant and 22 men left to defend the harbor. On January 16, 1862, the USS Hatteras arrived at Cedar Key. There they burned four schooners (Stag, Anna Smith, Aucilla, and Wyfe), three sloops (Dudley, William H. Middleton, Rattler), one ferry scow, a launch, the wharf, the railroad depot, seven cars, and a turpentine warehouse. A Lieutenant and 13 men of the 4th Florida were captured. There were no Union casualties. On Seahorse Key the Federals burned barracks and other structures.

The trail follows a small part of the railroad line (about 1700 feet) of the old Atlantic to Gulf Railroad. From the trail entrance to the water where the old trestle is located is a little more than a quarter mile on flat ground.

The Island Hotel was built in 1859-1860 as Parsons’ and Hale’s General Store. The building began housing guests in the 1880s. The hotel is thought to have served as a barracks and warehouse for the Union. It may have been used by Confederate troops as well given that one of its owners Major Parsons commanded a detachment of Confederate volunteers.

The museum does not allow photographs.

Source

Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies Series I Volume 17 pages 48-50

Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies Series I Volume 17 pages 316-317