Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is a Florida State Park located in Homosassa, off U.S. 19. It contains the ruins of a forced-labor farm owned by David Levy Yulee. Yulee was an enslaver and a delegate of the Florida Territorial Legislative Council. After Florida became a state, he was elected by the legislature in 1845 to the United States Senate, becoming the first American of Jewish heritage to serve there. After Florida seceded from the Union, Yulee served in the Confederate Congress. He is credited with having developed a network of railroads that tremendously boosted the state's economy.Make Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park part of your personalized Crystal River itinerary using our Crystal River tour builder app.
At Homosassa, Yulee established a farm of some 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) worked by about 1,000 enslaved African Americans. They raised sugarcane, citrus, and cotton. The large mill (which was steam-driven) ran from 1851 to 1864. It produced sugar, syrup and molasses, the latter used in making rum. The farm supplied confederate soldiers with sugar products and was largely destroyed during the American Civil War.
At the park, the stonework (foundation, well and 40-foot chimney) of the mill, iron gears, a cane press, and some of the other machinery remain. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 1970.
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Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park reviews
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i liked this place because it reminds me of history in Florida when we had sugar mills and old wagons and fishing near by it was by far a great place to learn some of my Florida history
i liked this place because it reminds me of history in Florida when we had sugar mills and old wagons and fishing near by it was by far a great place to learn some of my Florida history more »
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SLOW DOWN AND SEE! If you like Florida history, this is a must stop while in Homosassa. "The park contains remnants of the once-thriving 5,100-acre sugar plantation: a 40-foot limestone masonry chimney, iron gears and a cane press. The steam-driven mill operated from 1851 to 1864 and served as a supplier of sugar products for Southern troops during the Civil War," (Florida State Park). There are interesting little details to see at this outside exhibit that are worth slowing down to see. Parking is across the street. Be careful, this road can be busy at times. The restrooms were closed -- which was disappointing to many weary travelers. The small woodland park, by the parking lot, is charming with Oak and Cypress trees being hugged by fascinating twisting grape vines. A picnic pavilion and tables was a welcome place to rest and enjoy a snack, while being refreshed by a cool breeze. Larry Roach Feb.18, 2022. Blessings from Florida!
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Really neat stop. There is a park on one side of the street and the ruins on the other side, you’ll park across from the ruins. There were some very informative plaques, but several were missing. Takes about 15 mins to walk the ruins and read the remaining plaques. Path is hard paved and easy to navigate.
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