Constructed in 1857 by church members and their slaves, the wood-framed Moss Hill United Methodist Church in the Holmes Valley is an excellent example of Florida frontier church architecture and is the oldest unaltered building in Washington County.

In September 1864, the Vernon Home Guard under the command of Captain W.B. Jones, which contained members of the Moss Hill Church congregation, was called out when a Union force attacked Marianna in Jackson County. Riding to their neighboring city's assistance, the Home Guard unit unexpectedly encountered the Union army column commanded by Brigadier General Alexander Asboth returning from Marianna.

In the ensuing skirmish known as the Battle of Vernon, the numerically superior Union force routed the outnumbered Home Guard, killing one Confederate and capturing several more, including Captain Jones.

In the Moss Hill Cemetery adjacent to the church building are the remains of at least 20 Confederate veterans including members of the Vernon Home Guard. A State Historical Marker for Moss Hill is located at the church site.

Information Provided by Florida Department of State.