Welaunee Plantation (Jefferson County, Florida)

Welaunee Plantation was a cotton plantation near Wacissa in Jefferson County, Florida, established by Col. Robert Howard Gamble.

History

Robert Howard Gamble was born in Grove Hill, Botetourt County, Virginia in 1815, the son of son of Captain Robert Gamble who fought in the American Revolutionary War. His mother was General James Breckinridge's daughter Letitia who ignored the matrimonial offerings of Captain Meriwether Lewis to marry Robert Gramble instead.

Welaunee Plantation was established in 1826 when Robert Gamble brought his family to Florida from Virginia. Robert's brother, John Grattan Gamble, established Waukeenah Plantation next to Welaunee. From 1838, Fort Welaunee became a settlers' fort on the Welaunee Plantation near Wacissa. Later this was Fort Gamble and operated from 1839 to 1843.

Robert Howard Gamble commanded what was known as Gamble's artillery in the American Civil War. Soldiers from Leon County, Florida served in it. Frederick L. Villepigue became a Captain under Gamble. Gamble became a Colonel. His command took part in the Battle of Olustee,[1] which was the largest battle fought in Florida during the war.

Resources

References
  1. "The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies: Prepared by the Late Lieut. Col. Robert N. Scott, Third U. S. Artillery. Published Under the Directions of the Hon. Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War, by Maj. George B. Davis, U. S. A., Mr. Leslie J. Perry, Mr. Joseph W. Kirkley, Board of Publication. Series I - Volume XXXV - in Two Parts. Part I - Reports, Correspondence, Etc". 1891.


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