Florida first voted to not leave the union. It was a few months later, after more reports from those in Washington, a large part were from Mallory, they convened again and did vote to seceed Jan.10, 1861. It's sort of odd or surprising they did agree to seceed because Florida had not been in the Union long compared to other states. It was only about 38 years after Spanish rule. Before we became a territory of the US, many who were in the political arena well remembered when we were under a different flag every time they turned around. Considering some of the local (NW Florida) letters and reports, it wasn't as much to go against the Union but the fact that we were bordered by states that were leaving said union that made a bit of difference. There were though, some of the 'old guard' who really were not 'into' the entire affair. When it was clear in '62 that the port and the forts were lost, almost the entire town packed up and went to Greenville, Alabama. They even got permission to move the seat of government there to conduct business as they needed. Being of Spanish, English or French origins, one side was as good as another and Flag changes were part of the life here.

Pam