The 1st Florida Special Cavalry Battalion was organized near Plant City, FL in April of 1864 and commanded by Charles James Munnerlyn. The battalion fought in the Battle of Fort Myers, the southernmost land battle of the war, in February of 1865.

The battalion was tasked with protecting the vital supply of cattle for the Confederate Army, leading to the nickname of the Cow Cavalry. By the end of 1864 Union Cavalry raids had stolen over 4,000 head of cattle from the area meant for the Confederate Army of Tennessee.

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