The Battle of Santa Rosa Island took place on September 22, 1861, during the American Civil War. It was fought near Pensacola, Florida, as Confederate forces attempted to capture the Union-held Fort Pickens. The battle involved a surprise attack by Confederate troops led by General Richard Anderson against Union defenders commanded by Colonel Emory Upton. Despite the Confederate assault, the Union forces successfully repelled the attack, maintaining control of Fort Pickens. This battle was significant as it demonstrated the Union's ability to hold strategic positions in the South and contributed to the ongoing conflict in the region.