Florida's role in the Confederacy
Florida Secedes from the Union
In early January 1861, a special convention of delegates from around the state met in
Tallahassee to consider whether Florida should leave the Union. Governor Madison
Starke Perry and Governor-elect John Milton were both strong supporters of secession.
For days, the issues were debated inside and outside the convention. In a minority
opinion, former territorial governor Richard Keith Call, acting as a private citizen, argued
that secession would bring only ruin to the state.
On January 10, 1861, the delegates voted sixty-two to seven to withdraw Florida from the
Union. The next day, in a public ceremony on the east steps of the capitol, they signed a
formal Ordinance of Secession. News of the event generally led to local celebrations.
Later, the delegates adopted a new state constitution. Florida was the third state to leave
the Union, and within a month it joined with other southern states to form the
Confederate States of America.
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Ordinance of Secession
We, the People of the State of Florida in Convention assembled, do solemnly
ordain, publish and declare: That the State of Florida hereby withdraws herself
from the Confederacy of States existing under the name of the United States of
America, and from the existing Government of said States; and that all political
connection between her and the Government of said States ought to be and the same
is hereby totally annulled, and said union of States dissolved; and the State of
Florida is hereby declared a Sovereign and Independent Nation; and that all
ordinances heretofore adopted in so far as they create or recognize said Union are
rescinded; and all laws or parts of laws in force in this State, in so far as they recognize or assent to said Union be and they are hereby repealed.
Done in open Convention, January 10th, A.D. 1861
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