Florida Cracker Pioneer Program

"Florida Cracker" Pioneer Educational Program
1821-1900's

In 1821, the United States bought Florida from Spain. Homesteading was encouraged by the government to develop the newly acquired territory. The rugged pioneers that settled the area were called "Florida Crackers." It is believed that they got this nickname because of the cracking sound their whips made as they herded cattle. In 1845 Florida became the 27th state of the Union. Students will learn to appreciate these modern times when participating in daily living activities from the pioneer area.

On Site Activities

Corn shelling and milling
Writing with a quill pen
Old time games
Cotton combing
Sugar cane grinding
Plowing and planting seeds
Using a pitcher pump
Lasso station
Sewing hornbook

"Very entertaining and better than I expected. It was my favorite thing I did."

-Kira, student from Port Orange, FL

Corn was a main food for the pioneer family. Mills like this were used to grind it into corn meal.

Pioneer children used feather pens and ink to practice their writing skills

These girl scouts are grinding sugar cane.
The juice was boiled down to make cane syrup.