A State Historical Marker for The Attack On Fort Myers contains details on the Confederate attempt to capture Fort Myers. On February 20, 1865, a Confederate force of some 275 men of Florida's Cow Cavalry commanded by Major William Footman launched an attack with one artillery piece on the Union garrison at Fort Myers.

The Union force, with two cannons, consisted of approximately 250 men of the 2nd Florida Union Cavalry and the 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry commanded by Captain James Doyle. After surprising and attacking Union pickets and a laundry detail outside the fort, Major Footman demanded the surrender of the fort.

The demand was refused and, after a lengthy skirmish, the Confederate forces withdrew under cover of darkness. Casualties on both sides were light.

Information Provided by the Florida Department of State.