St. Augustine National Cemetery – Dade Massacre
By Ann Johnson
Nestled in the heart of the captivating historic city of Saint Augustine, Florida, lies a place of profound significance and solemn beauty: the St. Augustine National Cemetery. This hallowed ground, a testament to the sacrifices made in the name of duty and country, serves as the final resting place for countless American heroes. Among those interred within its peaceful confines are soldiers who fell during the tumultuous Seminole Wars, forever linking the cemetery’s history to one of the most compelling and tragic chapters in Florida’s past. The St. Augustine National Cemetery holds echoes of the past within its serene landscape.
The St. Augustine National Cemetery’s story is intertwined with the conflicts that shaped the Florida territory. The Seminole Wars, a series of brutal and protracted battles, pitted the Seminole people against the United States government, which sought to forcibly remove them from their ancestral lands. These wars, fueled by broken treaties and a clash of cultures, resulted in immense suffering and loss on both sides. The treaties of Payne’s Landing and Fort Gibson were intended to force the Seminoles to relocate to a reservation west of the Mississippi River. The Seminole resistance to this forced relocation underscored the need for a strong military presence from the Federal Government, under President Andrew Jackson’s administration, to enforce their removal from Florida. The St. Augustine National Cemetery stands as a somber reminder of this history.
One of the most poignant events connected to the St. Augustine National Cemetery is the Dade Massacre. This devastating ambush, which occurred on December 28, 1835, stands as a stark example of the brutal nature of the Seminole Wars and the heavy price paid by those who fought in them.
On December 23, 1835, Major Francis Dade led a detachment of soldiers on a perilous 100-mile journey from Fort Brooke, located in present-day Tampa Bay, to Fort King, near modern-day Ocala. Their mission was to reinforce General Wiley Thompson, the Superintendent of Indian Relations, who was stationed there. Dade’s detachment consisted of approximately 110 men drawn from four different companies. Tragically, many of these soldiers were musicians, lacking extensive combat training.
The fateful morning of December 28th dawned frigid. The soldiers, bundled in their coats, their weapons tucked away for warmth, marched through the dense Florida landscape. They were unaware that they were walking into a carefully laid trap. As they advanced, a large force of Seminole warriors, led by chiefs such as Micanopy and Alligator, lay hidden in the thick vegetation. Concealed behind the cover of pine trees, tall grass, and palmetto bushes, the Seminoles patiently awaited the opportune moment to strike.
Without warning, the Seminoles unleashed a devastating volley of gunfire upon the unsuspecting soldiers. The element of surprise, combined with the Seminoles’ superior knowledge of the terrain, gave them a decisive advantage. Half of Dade’s unit was killed in the initial assault. The remaining soldiers, caught completely off guard, struggled to organize a defense.
The battle that ensued was a scene of chaos and carnage. The soldiers, hampered by their lack of preparedness and the dense undergrowth, fought valiantly against the relentless Seminole attack. However, the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against them. One by one, they fell, succumbing to the Seminoles’ deadly accuracy.
In the end, only three soldiers survived the massacre. Of those three, two perished from their wounds within days of the attack. The lone survivor, Private Ransome Clark of Company B, 2nd Artillery, miraculously escaped the carnage and made his way back to Fort Brooke at Tampa Bay. His harrowing account of the battle provided a detailed picture of the tragedy and cemented the event’s place in history as the Dade Massacre.
The news of the Dade Massacre sent shockwaves throughout the nation. It galvanized public opinion against the Seminoles and intensified the government’s resolve to remove them from Florida. The event also served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers serving in the Florida territory.
In 1842, after the conclusion of the Seminole Wars, the U.S. Army undertook the solemn task of relocating the remains of approximately 1,400 soldiers and scouts from various temporary burial sites across Florida to St. Augustine for reinterment. Among those whose remains were brought to St. Augustine were the victims of the Dade Massacre.
The relocation of the remains was conducted with full military honors and respect. The Army, along with local citizens, transported the remains in wagons draped with American flags to the St. Francis Barracks, which now serves as the St. Augustine National Cemetery. Upon arrival, the remains were carefully placed in three vaults beneath what became known as the "Dade Pyramids."
These three pyramids, each standing eight feet tall, are constructed of coquina, a type of sedimentary rock composed of shells and coral. They serve as a lasting tribute to the soldiers who perished in the Dade Massacre and other conflicts of the Seminole Wars. The Dade Pyramids are believed to be the oldest memorials in any National Cemetery, further highlighting the historical significance of the St. Augustine National Cemetery.
Today, the St. Augustine National Cemetery is a tranquil oasis of remembrance and reflection. Although one of the smallest national cemeteries in the country, encompassing just 1.3 acres, it holds a wealth of history and meaning within its boundaries. The cemetery’s meticulously maintained grounds, shaded by ancient oak trees, provide a serene setting for visitors to pay their respects to the fallen. The Dade Pyramids stand as silent sentinels, guarding the remains of those who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
Visiting the St. Augustine National Cemetery is a moving experience. As you walk among the rows of white headstones, you cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for the men and women who have served and protected the United States. The cemetery is a place to honor their memory, to reflect on the sacrifices they made, and to remember the lessons of the past.
The St. Augustine National Cemetery, with its historical significance and poignant connection to the Dade Massacre, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of courage, sacrifice, and remembrance. It is a place where the stories of the past come alive, reminding us of the human cost of conflict and the importance of honoring those who have served.