The Arcadia Homestead is a historical site that is located in Milton, Florida. The homestead is the antebellum house of the Simpson family. The home is now a museum that features interactive exhibits and walking paths. It is open to the public and offers admission for $5. A shaded picnic area is also available. The homestead is situated on a seven acre lot. Call your friends and family to visit this amazing destination at 4755 Anna Simpson Rd, Milton, FL 32583.
The family had a saw mill that was powered by water. Its main buildings included a dam, a sawmill, and a textile mill. The Arcadia Mill was established in 1817. The original 800 arpent land grant was issued to Juan de la Rua, who had a family that fled a slave uprising in Martinique. His descendants had a prosperous mill that they operated until the early 20th century.
In 1953, Wallace Teasdale became the new owner of the Arcadia Homestead. He had a 30-year career farming the property. He died in 1973. He left his property to the University of West Florida. The UWF has restored the house as a historic house museum. The Arcadia Homestead is located on Mitchell Road. The home is surrounded by a nature walk and several heritage live oaks. The site is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Fridays and Saturdays.
In the late 19th century, the property was flooded. In the winter months, the home was cut off from the Murchison River. The property was on the market for $15 million to $20 million. It was advertised in February of 1927. The site was occupied by William Ross for 22 years. His son Gilbert died from a wagon load of logs in 1889. He had 16 children.
The property was eventually sold to William Ross. The site had been a slave cabin for almost two centuries. A double chimney suggests that the structure was once used by two families. Originally, the cabin was surrounded by brick piers. However, in the early 2000s, it was carefully dismantled.
In addition to the big house, the site has an interactive children’s area and a shaded picnic area. There is a walking path with interpretive signage. Visitors can also see a variety of ceramics and furniture tacks. There is a Victory Garden that features different kinds of flowers. There is also a cemetery.
The site has a large photo board that provides orientation to previously discovered structural features. A skeleton key and small pieces of fabric are among the items that have been found. The site has also revealed an industrial village of mixed ethnicity.
The site was protected during the 1960s. The Arcadia Homestead and its surrounding property are part of a 42-acre archaeological site owned by the University of West Florida. The site is operated by the UWF’s Historic Trust. The archeological site is a local gem. In addition to the homestead, there are numerous heritage live oaks and a shaded picnic area. There are also a variety of hands-on displays for adults and kids.
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