During the Civil War, Florida was the third state to secede from the Union in January 1861. It joined the Confederate States of America and contributed troops and resources to the Confederate cause. The state was strategically important due to its coastline and ports, which were used for trade and supply routes. Florida saw several military engagements, including the Battle of Santa Rosa Island and the Battle of Olustee. The war had a significant impact on the state's economy and society, leading to changes in agriculture and the status of enslaved people. By the end of the war in 1865, Florida faced challenges in rebuilding and reintegrating into the Union.