Re-Live Florida’s “Cracker” History in Perry, FL

Posted on by Tommy Thompson
Take a trip back in time at the Forest Capital State Museum
Take a trip back in time at the Forest Capital State Museum

 

Florida’s Forest Capital State Museum and Cracker Homestead, located in Perry, is part of Florida’s State Park system.  Located on US19 (Byron Butler Parkway) just south of town, this 1864 home and furnishings will give visitors a taste of Florida’s past.  Open 9AM to Noon, Monday through Thursday, this place is worth a visit. You’ll also see exhibits relating to Perry and Taylor County’s place in the timber industry.

The 1864 Cracker Homestead is complete with antique furnishings and vintage farm equipment.
The 1864 Cracker Homestead is complete with antique furnishings and vintage farm equipment.

“Florida Crackers” were not called that name because they ate Saltines, but because they cracked bullwhips to keep their cattle moving in the right direction.   Cracker cowboys were a breed apart, and the most famous was Morgan Bonaparte “Bone” Mizell (One of my relatives!–TT)

 

Morgan Bonaparte "Bone" Mizell
Morgan Bonaparte “Bone” Mizell

 

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